CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) pushes for continuous modern Family Planning (FP) services to prevent a spike of unplanned pregnancies during the community quarantine period.
POPCOM OIC-Regional Director Vicky Barbea De La Torre said there is a need to look into policies and strategies at the regional and local level that would ensure constant access to modern FP services and information amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Figures show that there are about 2.9 million women of reproductive age in Central Luzon based on the 2015 Census of Population and Housing.
Among these women, 9 out of 100 have an unmet need for modern FP, based on the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey (2017 NDHS).
“These are women who have an expressed intent to use modern family planning but do not have the access to either information or commodities,” De La Torre explained.
The official stressed on the need to look into resupplying services for women who are already using temporary modern FP methods such as pills, condoms, and injectables.
2017 NDHS findings revealed that 2 out of 10 women are using these methods.
“Given the current situation wherein our communities are under quarantine, there is a high chance for these women to have difficulties in accessing these commodities, making it also difficult for them to continue practicing FP in their households, ” De La Torre added.
Regional estimates point out to an estimate of about 200,000 women who are capable of giving birth and may add to the number of unplanned pregnancies in the region if these FP concerns are not addressed immediately.
De La Torre furthered that having an unplanned pregnancy during these trying times will have an adverse effect on the life of each Filipino Family.
Despite these limitations, couples are encouraged to coordinate with their respective local government units.
Local population offices in the region are reminded to ensure that a three month supply of pills and or condoms will be provided through house-to-house visits among those who enlisted in the FP program.
Health centers also remain open to accommodate those who use injectables and want to avail Subdermal Implant.
POPCOM Region 3 likewise has an existing Helpline, 09435729488, that interested clients can contact for inquiries regarding FP and supply of commodities.
Modern FP methods include non-scalpel vasectomy for males and bilateral tubal ligation for females, injectables, intrauterine devices or IUDs, pills, implants, condoms, standard days method or SDM, mucus/Billings/ovulation, basal body temperature, symptothermal and the lactational amenorrhea method or LAM.