Philippines: PNGOC Petition For The Reproductive Health Bill
by Breese | March 1, 2012 at 4:44 PM
The Reproductive Health (RH) Bill has been pending in Congress since 1998. The RH bill when passed into law would have supported comprehensive programs including sexuality education, family planning and maternal and child health.
Why This Is Important
We, the undersigned are urging Congress to deliberate and vote on the Reproductive Health Bill immediately. The Reproductive Health (RH) Bill has been pending in Congress since 1998. The RH bill when passed into law would have supported comprehensive programs including sexuality education, family planning and maternal and child health. The Bill drew ire from the Catholic church, the dominant religious sect in the country, and as a result has languished in Congress for more than 15 years, numerous versions and re-writes were made, but still to no avail.
We believe, if passed, the RH Bill will pave the way for profound changes in access to reproductive health programs and services in the Philippines. In 2008, an estimated 10.2 million women were at risk for unintended pregnancy. Abortion continues to grow, abortion estimate at 400,000 to 500,000. Some studies say that this is even higher at nearly 800,000, one of the highest rates in Asia.
The RH Bill is a mechanism to uplift the stature of living of common Filipino people. Its passage will prioritize the health of women, children and families, and where food and economic security and environmental sustainability would be attainable goals.
