Read the actual text of House Bill 4244
By Raïssa Robles
I asked Congressman Edcel Lagman, the principal sponsor of the RH (Reproductive Health) Bill, for the latest official version.
He gave me this.
He told me that this contains the proposed amendments of President Benigno Aquino III (which I have highlighted in red) as well as the changes proposed by himself and other co-sponsors (which are also highlighted in red). I have retained the bill’s pagination.
In short, this is the version that the House will vote on next week whether to junk the RH bill altogether or to AMEND IT FURTHER.
Yes. Next week’s vote is not for the purpose of approving this version. It will merely decide whether to allow the RH Bill to reach the session floor for further deliberations and amendments.
Even if the House succeeds in passing its version, there is still the matter of the Senate passing its own separate version and then reconciling this with the House version. After Congress enacts it into law and the president signs it, anti-RH advocates will inevitably go to the Supreme Court to have it struck down as unconstitutional. The SC may or may not issue a temporary restraining order.
Before all that happens, though, the RH Bill has to hurdle the House and even that is a laborious undertaking.
Among the most contentious sections of the RH Bill (House version) are the following:
Section 3 (e): This mandates the state to fund “modern natural methods of family planning”
Anti-RH advocates vehemently protest against calling anything outside the rhythm method and withdrawal method a “modern natural method of family planning.” Anti-RH lawmakers will expectedly question the definition of abortion and will try to insert a definition of when human life begins.
Section 10 : This classifies “family planning supplies as essential medicines” that the government has to keep in stock. This will include condoms and IUDs.
Anti-RH lawmakers will expectedly try to have this deleted. In fact, they want the entire bill junked.
Section 26. Prohibited Acts: Any public or private “health case service provider” can no longer “refuse to perform legal and medically safe reproductive health procedures on any person of legal age on the ground of lack of third party consent or authorization. In case of married persons, the mutual consent of the spouses shall be preferred. However in case of disagreement, the decision of the one undergoing the procedure shall prevail. In the case of abused minors where parents or other family members are the respondent, accused or convicted perpetrators as certified by the proper prosecutorial office or court, no prior parental consent shall be necessary.”
However, the same Section 26 allows “conscientious objectors” to refuse to perform natural family planning services. But there is one exception where refusal will be punished – in case a person is “in an emergency condition” or (a) serious case.
This section was inserted in order to prohibit the practice of certain health care service providers from refusing to help, for instance, women who tried to abort and ended up bleeding profusely or becoming infected.
Section 3 categorically states that: “(i) While this Act recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law, the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner.”
The draft law specifically states that the government is against abortion. However, anti-RH advocates insist that all birth control methods outside of the rhythm, Billings and withdrawal methods are “abortifacients”.
The draft law introduces in Section 20 a 48-hour “pro bono” services to be extended yearly to poor women by non-government reproductive health care service providers.
This latest House version already includes the proposed amendments made by President Aquino which is supposed to make it more acceptable to the Catholic Church. Among the concessions that Aquino has agreed to are:
An exemption given to Catholic and other religious-owned hospitals from providing “a full range of modern family planning methods.”
A section that gives parents the final say on whether or not to allow their minor children to attend sex education classes.
Text of the RH Bill of the House
HOUSE BILL NO. 4244
(In substitution of House Bill Nos. 96, 101, 513, 1160, 1520 & 3387)
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Introduced by Honorables Edcel C. Lagman, Janette L. Garin, Kaka J. Bag-ao, Walden Bello, Rodolfo G. Biazon, Augusto Syjuco, Luzviminda Ilagan, Emerenciana De Jesus, Arnulfo Fegarido Go, Robert Estrella, Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay, Florencio Tadiar Flores, Jr., Susan A. Yap, Angelo B. Palmones, Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr., Jorge “Bolet” Banal, Jose F. Zubiri III, Francis Emmanuel R. Ortega, Nur Gaspar Jaafar, Eufranio C. Eriguel, M.D., Ma. Angelica M. Amante-Matba, Catalina Leonen-Pizarro, Marc Douglas Cagas IV, Salvador Escudero IIII, Napoleon Dy, Nur-Ana Sahidulla, Romeo Jalosjos Jr, Ignacio Arroyo Jr., Carol Jayne B. Lopez, Ronald V. Singson, Abigail C. Ferriol, Jeffrey Padilla Ferrer, Joel Roy Duavit, Jesus “Boying” F. Celeste, Teddy A. Casiño, Simeon A. Datumanong, Seth F. Jalosjos, Josefina Manuel Joson, Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza, Reena Concepcion G. Obillo, Raymond V. Palatino, Carlos Mapili Padilla, Philip Arreza Pichay, Jesus Crispin Catibayan Remulla, Mark Aeron H. Sambar, Danilo Etorma Suarez, Antonio L. Tinio, Victor Jo Yu, Ana Cristina Siquian Go, Rodante D. Marcoleta, Emmeline Y. Aglipay, David L. Kho, Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, Vicente Florendo Belmonte Jr., Rafael V. Mariano, Neri Colmenares, Rodolfo Castro Fariñas, Eric Gacula Singson Jr., Narciso Recio Bravo Jr., Orlando Bongcawel Fua, Roy Maulanin Loyola, Mary Mitzi Lim Cajayon, Arturo Ompad Radaza, Pastor M. Alcover Jr., Leopoldo Nalupa Bataoil, Rodolfo B. Albano, Victor Francisco Campos Ortega, Sharon S. Garin, Nicanor M. Briones, Godofredo V. Arquiza, Nancy Alaan Catamco, Acmad Tomawis, Mohammed Hussein P. Pangandaman, Elmer Ellaga Panotes, Antonio Chaves Alvarez, Rodel M. Batocabe, Enrique Murphy Cojuangco, Bernardo Mangaoang Vergara, Daisy Avance-Fuentes, Luis Robredo Villafuerte, Cresente C. Paez, Antonio Diaz, Jose Ping-ay, Teodorico Haresco, Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel, Solaiman Pangandaman, Kimi S. Cojuangco, Jerry Perez Treñas, Niel Causing Tupas, Jr., Rosenda Ann Ocampo, Bai Sandra A. Sema, Winston “Winnie” Castelo, Ferjenel G. Biron, Bernadette R. Herrera-Dy, Antonio T. Kho, Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, Nasser C. Pangandaman and Eulogio “Amang” R. Magsaysay
An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Populaton and Development, and for other purposes
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the “The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011.”
SEC. 2. – Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes and guarantees the exercise of the universal basic human right to reproductive health by all persons, particularly of parents, couples and women, consistent with their religious convictions, cultural beliefs and the demands of responsible parenthood. Toward this end, there shall be no discrimination against any person on grounds of sex, age, religion, [sexual orientation,] disabilities, political affiliation and ethnicity.
Moreover, the State recognizes and guarantees the promotion of gender equality, equity and women’s empowerment as a health and human rights concern. The advancement and protection of women’s rights shall be central to the efforts of the State to address reproductive health care. As a distinct but inseparable measure to the guarantee of women’s rights, the State recognizes and guarantees the promotion of the welfare and rights of children.
The State likewise guarantees universal access to medically safe, legal, affordable, effective and quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies and relevant information and education thereon even as it prioritizes the needs of women and children, among other underprivileged sectors.
The State shall eradicate discriminatory practices, laws and policies that infringe on a person’s exercise of reproductive health rights.
SEC. 3. Guiding Principles. – The following principles constitute the framework upon which this Act is anchored:
(a) Freedom of choice, which is central to the exercise of right, must be fully
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[ 1 – President B. Aquino’s proposed amendment ]
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guaranteed by the State;
(b) Respect for, protection and fulfillment of reproductive health and rights seek to promote the rights and welfare of couples, adult individuals, women and adolescents;
(c) Since human resource is among the principal assets of the country, maternal health, safe delivery of healthy children and their full human development and responsible parenting must be ensured through effective reproductive health care;
(d) The provision of medically safe, legal, accessible, affordable and effective reproductive health care services and supplies is essential in the promotion of people’s right to health, especially of the poor and marginalized;
(e) The State shall promote, without bias, all effective natural and modern methods of family planning that are medically safe and legal. PROVIDED, THAT THE STATE WILL PROVIDE FUNDING SUPPORT TO PROMOTE MODERN NATURAL METHODS OF FAMILY PLANNING CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS AND THE NEEDS OF ACCEPTORS 1;
(f) The State shall promote programs that:
(1) enable couples, individuals and women to have the number of children and reproductive spacing they desire with due consideration to the health of women and resources available to them; (2) achieve equitable allocation and utilization of resources; (3) ensure effective partnership among the national government, the local government units and the private sector in the design, implementation, coordination, integration, monitoring and evaluation of people-
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[ 1 – President B. Aquino’s proposed amendment as modified. The original amendment reads: PROVIDED, THAT THE STATE MAY PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING SUPPORT TO PROMOTE NATURAL METHODS OF FAMILY PLANNING ]
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centered programs to enhance quality of life and environmental protection; (4) conduct 2 studies to analyze demographic trends towards sustainable human development and (5) conduct scientific studies to determine safety and efficacy of alternative medicines and methods for reproductive health care development;
(g) The provision of reproductive health information, care and supplies shall be the joint responsibility of the National Government and the Local Government Units (LGUs);
(h) Active participation by non-government, women’s, people’s, civil society organizations and communities is crucial to ensure that reproductive health and population and development policies, plans, and programs will address the priority needs of the poor, especially women;
(i) While this Act recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law, the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner;
(j) There shall be no demographic or population targets and the mitigation of the population growth rate is incidental to the promotion of reproductive health and sustainable human development;
(k) Gender equality and women empowerment are central elements of reproductive health and population and development;
(l) The limited resources of the country cannot be suffered to be spread so thinly to service a burgeoning multitude making allocations grossly inadequate and effectively meaningless;
(m) Development is a multi-faceted process that calls for the coordination and integration of policies, plans, programs and projects that seek to uplift the quality of life
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of the people, more particularly the poor, the needy and the marginalized; and
(n) That a comprehensive reproductive health program addresses the needs 3 of people throughout their life cycle.
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. – For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
Adolescence refers to the period of physical and physiological development of an individual from the onset of puberty to complete growth and maturity which usually begins between eleven (11) to thirteen (13) years and terminating at eighteen (18) to twenty (20) years of age;
Adolescent Sexuality refers to, among others, the reproductive system, gender identity, values and beliefs, emotions, relationships and sexual behavior at adolescence;
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) refers to a condition characterized by a combination of signs and symptoms, caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which attacks and weakens the body’s immune system, making the afflicted individual susceptible to other life-threatening infections;
Anti-Retroviral Medicines (ARVs) refer to medications for the treatment of infection by retroviruses, primarily HIV;
Basic Emergency Obstetric Care refers to lifesaving services for maternal complications being provided by a health facility or professional, which must include the following six signal functions: administration of parenteral antibiotics; administration of
parenteral oxytocic drugs; administration of parenteral anticonvulsants for preeclampsia and eclampsia; manual removal of placenta; removal of retained products; and assisted vaginal delivery;
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Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care refers 1 basic emergency obstetric care including deliveries by surgical procedure (caesarian section) and blood transfusion;
Employer refers to any natural or juridical person who hires the services of a worker. The term shall not include any labor organization or any of its officers or agents except when acting as an employer;
Family Planning refers to a program which enables couples, individuals and women to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children, acquire relevant information on reproductive health care, services and supplies and have access to a full range of safe, legal, affordable, effective natural and modern methods of limiting and spacing pregnancy;
Gender Equality refers to the absence of discrimination on the basis of a person’s sex, sexual orientation and gender identity in opportunities, allocation of resources or benefits and access to services;
Gender Equity refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities between women and men, and often requires women-specific projects and programs to end existing inequalities;
Healthcare Service Provider refers to (1) health care institution, which is duly licensed and accredited and devoted primarily to the maintenance and operation of facilities for health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals suffering from illness, disease, injury, disability or deformity, or in need of obstetrical or other medical and nursing care; (2) health care professional, who is a doctor of medicine, a nurse, or a midwife; (3) public health worker engaged in the
24 delivery of health care services; or (4) barangay health worker who has undergone training programs under any accredited government and non-government organization
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(NGO) and who voluntarily renders primarily health care services in the community after having been accredited to function as such by the local health board in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the Department of Health (DOH);
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) refers to the virus which causes AIDS; Male Responsibility refers to the involvement, commitment, accountability, and responsibility of males in relation to women in all areas of sexual and reproductive health as well as the protection and promotion of reproductive health concerns specific to men;
Maternal Death Review refers to a qualitative and in-depth study of the causes of maternal death with the primary purpose of preventing future deaths through changes or additions to programs, plans and policies;
Modern Methods of Family Planning refer to safe, effective and legal methods, whether the natural, or the artificial that are registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the DOH, to prevent pregnancy;
People Living with HIV (PLWH) refer to individuals who have been tested and found to be infected with HIV;
Poor refers to members of households identified as poor through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or any subsequent system used by the national government in identifying the poor.
Population and Development refers to a program that aims to: (1) help couples and parents achieve their desired family size; (2) improve reproductive health of individuals by addressing reproductive health problems; (3) contribute to decreased
24 maternal and infant mortality rates and early child mortality; (4) reduce incidence of
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teenage pregnancy; and (5) recognize the linkage between population 1 and sustainable human development;
Reproductive Health refers to the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes;
Reproductive Health Care refers to the access to a full range of methods, facilities, services and supplies that contribute to reproductive health and well-being by preventing and solving reproductive health-related problems. It also includes sexual health, the purpose of which is the enhancement of life and personal relations. The
elements of reproductive health care include the following:
(a) family planning information and services;
(b) maternal, infant and child health and nutrition, including breastfeeding;
(c) proscription of abortion and management of abortion complications;
(d) adolescent and youth reproductive health;
(e) prevention and management of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmittable infections (STIs);
(f) elimination of violence against women;
(g) education and counseling on sexuality and reproductive health;
(h) treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers and other gynecological conditions and disorders;
(i) male responsibility and participation in reproductive health;
(j) prevention and treatment of infertility and sexual dysfunction;
(k) reproductive health education for the adolescents; and
(l) mental health aspect of reproductive health care;
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Reproductive Health Care Program refers to the systematic and integrated provision of reproductive health care to all citizens especially the poor, marginalized and those in vulnerable and crisis situations;
Reproductive Health Rights refer to the rights of couples, individuals and women to decide freely and responsibly whether or not to have children; to determine the number, spacing and timing of their children; to make decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence; to have relevant information; and to attain the highest condition of sexual and reproductive health;
Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education refers to a lifelong learning process of providing and acquiring complete, accurate and relevant information and education on reproductive health and sexuality through life skills education and other approaches;
Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI) refers to sexually transmitted infections, and other types of infections affecting the reproductive system;
Responsible Parenthood refers to the will, ability and commitment of parents to adequately respond to the needs and aspirations of the family and children by responsibly and freely exercising their reproductive health rights;
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) refers to any infection that may be acquired or passed on through sexual contact;
Skilled Attendant refers to an accredited health professional, such as midwife, doctor or nurse, who has been educated and trained in the skills needed to manage normal (uncomplicated) pregnancies, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period, and in the identification, management and referral of complications in women and newborns, to exclude traditional birth attendant or midwife (hilot), whether trained or not;
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Skilled Birth Attendance refers to childbirth managed by a 1 skilled attendant including the enabling conditions of necessary equipment and support of a functioning health system, and the transport and referral facilities for emergency obstetric care; and Sustainable Human Development refers to bringing people, particularly the poor and vulnerable, to the center of development process, the central purpose of which is the creation of an enabling environment in which all can enjoy long, healthy and productive lives, and done in a manner that promotes their rights and protects the life opportunities of future generations and the natural ecosystem on which all life depends.
SEC. 5. Midwives for Skilled Attendance. – The LGUs with the assistance of the DOH, shall employ an adequate number of midwives through regular employment or service contracting, subject to the provisions of the Local Government Code, to achieve a minimum ratio of one (1) fulltime skilled birth attendant for every one hundred fifty (150) deliveries per year, to be based on the annual number of actual deliveries or live births for the past two (2) years; Provided, That people in geographically isolated and depressed areas shall be provided the same level of access.
SEC. 6. Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care. – Each province and city, with the assistance of the DOH, shall establish or upgrade hospitals with adequate and qualified personnel, equipment and supplies to be able to provide emergency obstetric and neonatal care. For every five-hundred thousand (500,000) population, there shall be at least one (1) hospital with comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care and four (4) hospitals or other health facilities with basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care; Provided, That people in geographically isolated and depressed areas shall be provided the same level of access.
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SEC. 7. Access to Family Planning. – All accredited health facilities shall provide a full range of modern family planning methods, except in THE CASE OF specialty hospitals [which] AND HOSPITALS OWNED AND OPERATED BY A RELIGIOUS GROUP PROVIDED, THAT THESE HOSPITALS 1 may render such services on an optional basis. For poor patients, such services shall be fully covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and/or government financial assistance on a no balance billing.
After the use of any PhilHealth benefit involving childbirth and all other pregnancy-related services, if the beneficiary wishes to space or prevent her next pregnancy, PhilHealth shall pay for the full cost of family planning.
SEC. 8. Maternal and Newborn Health Care in Crisis Situations. – The LGUs and the DOH shall ensure that a Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for reproductive health, including maternal and neonatal health care kits and services as defined by the DOH, will be given proper attention in crisis situations such as disasters and humanitarian crises.
The MISP shall become part of all responses by national agencies at the onset of crisis and emergencies. Temporary facilities such as evacuation centers and refugee camps shall be equipped to respond to the special needs in the following situations: normal and complicated deliveries, pregnancy complications, miscarriage and post-abortion complications, spread of HIV/AIDS and STIs, and sexual and gender-based violence.
SEC. 9. Maternal Death Review. – All LGUs, national and local government hospitals, and other public health units shall conduct annual maternal death review in accordance with the guidelines set by the DOH.
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[ 1 – President B. Aquino’s proposed amendment ]
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SEC. 10. Family Planning Supplies as Essential Medicines. Products and supplies for modern family planning methods shall be part of the National Drug Formulary and the same shall be included in the regular purchase of essential medicines and supplies of all national and local hospitals and other government health units.
SEC. 11. Procurement and Distribution of Family Planning Supplies. – The DOH shall spearhead the efficient procurement, distribution to LGUs and usage monitoring of family planning supplies for the whole country. The DOH shall coordinate with all appropriate LGUs to plan and implement this procurement and distribution program. The supply and the budget allotment shall be based on, among others, the current levels and projections of the following:
(a) number of women of reproductive age and couples who want to space or limit their children;
(b) contraceptive prevalence rate, by type of method used; and
(c) cost of family planning supplies.
SEC 12. Integration of Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Component in Anti-Poverty Programs. – A multidimensional approach shall be adopted in the implementation of policies and programs to fight poverty. Towards this end, the DOH shall endeavor to integrate a responsible parenthood and family planning component into all antipoverty and other sustainable human development programs of government, with corresponding fund support. The DOH shall provide such programs technical support, including capacity-building and monitoring.
SEC. 13. Roles of Local Government in Family Planning Programs. – The LGUs shall ensure that poor families receive preferential access to services, commodities and programs for family planning. The role of Population Officers at
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municipal, city and barangay levels in the family planning effort shall 1 be strengthened.
The Barangay Health Workers and volunteers shall be capacitated to [give priority to family planning work] HELP IMPLEMENT THIS ACT 2.
SEC. 14. Benefits for Serious and Life-Threatening Reproductive Health Conditions. – All serious and life-threatening reproductive health conditions such as HIV and AIDS, breast and reproductive tract cancers, obstetric complications, and menopausal and post-menopausal related conditions shall be given the maximum benefits as provided by PhilHealth programs.
SEC. 15. Mobile Health Care Service. – Each Congressional District may be provided with at least one (1) Mobile Health Care Service (MHCS) in the form of a van or other means of transportation appropriate to coastal or mountainous areas, THE PROCUREMENT AND OPERATION OF WHICH SHALL BE FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 2. The MHCS shall deliver health care supplies and 14 services to constituents, more particularly to the poor and needy, and shall be used to disseminate knowledge and information on reproductive health. [The purchase of the MHCS may be funded from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of each congressional district.]2 The operation and maintenance of the MHCS shall be operated by skilled health providers and adequately equipped with a wide range of reproductive health care materials and information dissemination devices and equipment, the latter including, but not limited to, a television set for audiovisual presentations. All MHCS shall be operated by a focal city or municipality within a congressional district.
SEC. 16. Mandatory Age-Appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education. – Age-appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education shall be
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[ 2 – Authors’ proposed amendment ]
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taught by adequately trained teachers in formal and non-formal 1 education system starting from Grade [Five] SIX 1 2 up to Fourth Year High School using life skills and other approaches. The Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education shall commence at the start of the school year immediately following one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act to allow the training of concerned teachers. The Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the DSWD, and the DOH shall formulate the Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education curriculum. Such curriculum shall be common to both public and private schools, out of school youth, and enrollees in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) based on, but not limited to, the psychosocial and the physical wellbeing, the demography and reproductive health, and the legal aspects of reproductive health.
Age-appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education shall be integrated in all relevant subjects and shall include, but not limited to, the following topics:
(a) Values formation WITH DUE REGARD TO RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION 1;
(b) Knowledge and skills in self protection against discrimination, sexual violence and abuse, and teen pregnancy;
(c) Physical, social and emotional changes in adolescents;
(d) Children’s and women’s rights;
(e) Fertility awareness;
(f) STI, HIV and AIDS;
(g) Population and development;
(h) Responsible relationship;
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[ 1 – President B. Aquino’s proposed amendment ]
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(i) Family 1 planning methods;
(j) Proscription and hazards of abortion;
(k) Gender and development; and
(l) Responsible parenthood.
The DepEd, CHED, DSWD, TESDA, and DOH shall provide concerned parents with adequate and relevant scientific materials on the age-appropriate topics and manner of teaching Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education to their children.
PARENTS SHALL EXERCISE THE OPTION OF NOT ALLOWING THEIR MINOR CHILDREN TO ATTEND CLASSES PERTAINING TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND SEXUALITY EDUCATION. 2
SEC. 17. Additional Duty of the Local Population Officer. – Each Local Population Officer of every city and municipality shall furnish free instructions and information on responsible parenthood, family planning, breastfeeding, infant nutrition and other relevant aspects of this Act to all applicants for marriage license. In the absence of a local Population Officer, a Family Planning Officer under the Local Health Office shall discharge the additional duty of the Population Officer.
SEC. 18. Certificate of Compliance. – No marriage license shall be issued by the Local Civil Registrar unless the applicants present a Certificate of Compliance issued for free by the local Family Planning Office certifying that they had duly received adequate instructions and information on responsible parenthood, family planning, breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
SEC. 19. Capability Building of Barangay Health Workers. – Barangay Health Workers and other community-based health workers shall undergo training on the
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[ 2 – Authors’ proposed amendment ]
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promotion of reproductive health and shall receive at least 10% increase 1 in honoraria, upon successful completion of training.
[SEC. 20. Ideal Family Size. – The State shall assist couples, parents and individuals to achieve their desired family size within the context of responsible parenthood for sustainable development [and encourage them to have two children as the ideal family size. Attaining the ideal family size is neither mandatory nor compulsory. No punitive action shall be imposed on parents having more than two children.] 2 & 1
[SEC. 21. Employers’ Responsibilities. – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall ensure that employers respect the reproductive rights of workers. Consistent with the intent of Article 134 of the Labor Code, employers with more than two hundred (200) employees shall provide reproductive health services to all employees in their own respective health facilities. Those with less than two hundred (200) workers shall enter into partnerships with hospitals, health facilities, or health professionals in their areas for the delivery of reproductive health services.
Employers shall furnish in writing the following information to all employees and applicants:
(a) The medical and health benefits which workers are entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave benefits and the availability of family planning services;
(b) The reproductive health hazards associated with work, including those that may affect their reproductive functions especially pregnant women; and
(c) The availability of health care facilities for workers.
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[ 1 – Section 20 – President B. Aquino’s proposed amendment ]
[ 2 – Section 21 – Authors’ proposed amendment ]
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Employers are obliged to monitor pregnant working employees among their workforce and ensure that they are provided paid half-day prenatal medical leave for each month of pregnancy period that the pregnant employee is employed in their company or organization. These paid prenatal medical leave shall be reimbursable from the Social Security System (SSS) or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), as the case may be.] 2
SEC. [22] 20. Pro Bono Services for Indigent Women. – Private and non-government reproductive health care service providers, including but not limited to gynecologists and obstetricians, are mandated to provide at least forty-eight (48) hours annually of reproductive health services, ranging from providing information and education to rendering medical services, free of charge to indigent and low income patients, especially to pregnant adolescents. The forty-eight (48) hours annual pro bono services shall be included as pre-requisite in the accreditation under the PhilHealth.
SEC. [23] 21. Sexual And Reproductive Health Programs For Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). – The cities and municipalities must ensure that barriers to reproductive health services for PWDs are obliterated by the following:
(a) providing physical access, and resolving transportation and proximity issues to clinics, hospitals and places where public health education is provided, contraceptives are sold or distributed or other places where reproductive health services are provided;
(b) adapting examination tables and other laboratory procedures to the needs and conditions of PWDs;
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[ 2 – Authors’ proposed amendment ]
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(c) increasing access to information and communication materials on sexual and reproductive health in braille, large print, simple language, and pictures;
(d) providing continuing education and inclusion rights of PWDs among healthcare providers; and
(e) undertaking activities to raise awareness and address misconceptions among the general public on the stigma and their lack of knowledge on the sexual and reproductive health needs and rights of PWDs.
SEC. [24] 22. Right to Reproductive Health Care Information. – The government shall guarantee the right of any person to provide or receive non-fraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services, including family planning, and prenatal care.
The DOH and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) shall initiate and sustain a heightened nationwide multimedia campaign to raise the level of public awareness of the protection and promotion of reproductive health and rights including family planning and population and development.
SEC. [25] 23. Implementing Mechanisms. – Pursuant to the herein declared policy, the DOH and the Local Health Units in cities and municipalities shall serve as the lead agencies for the implementation of this Act and shall integrate in their regular operations the following functions:
(a) Ensure full and efficient implementation of the Reproductive Health Care Program;
(b) Ensure people’s access to medically safe, legal, effective, quality and affordable reproductive health supplies and services;
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(c) Ensure that reproductive health services are delivered with 1 a full range of supplies, facilities and equipment and that healthcare service providers are adequately trained for such reproductive health care delivery;
(d) Take active steps to expand the coverage of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), especially among poor and marginalized women, to include the full range of reproductive health services and supplies as health insurance benefits;
(e) Strengthen the capacities of health regulatory agencies to ensure safe, legal, effective, quality, accessible and affordable reproductive health services and commodities with the concurrent strengthening and enforcement of regulatory mandates and mechanisms;
(f) Promulgate a set of minimum reproductive health standards for public health facilities, which shall be included in the criteria for accreditation. These minimum reproductive health standards shall provide for the monitoring of pregnant mothers, and a minimum package of reproductive health programs that shall be available and affordable at all levels of the public health system except in specialty hospitals where such services are provided on optional basis;
(g) Facilitate the involvement and participation of NGOs and the private sector in reproductive health care service delivery and in the production, distribution and delivery of quality reproductive health and family planning supplies and commodities to make them accessible and affordable to ordinary citizens;
(h) Furnish LGUs with appropriate information and resources to keep them updated on current studies and researches relating to responsible parenthood, family planning, breastfeeding and infant nutrition; and
(i) Perform such other functions necessary to attain the purposes of this Act.
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The Commission on Population (POPCOM), as an attached 1 agency of DOH, shall serve as the coordinating body in the implementation of this Act and shall have the following functions:
(a) Integrate on a continuing basis the interrelated reproductive health and population development agenda consistent with the herein declared national policy, taking into account regional and local concerns;
(b) Provide the mechanism to ensure active and full participation of the private sector and the citizenry through their organizations in the planning and implementation of reproductive health care and population and development programs and projects; and
(c) Conduct sustained and effective information drives on sustainable human development and on all methods of family planning to prevent unintended, unplanned and mistimed pregnancies.
SEC. [26] 24. Reporting Requirements. – Before the end of April of each year, the DOH shall submit an annual report to the President of the Philippines, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives (HOR). The report shall provide a definitive and comprehensive assessment of the implementation of its programs and those of other government agencies and instrumentalities, civil society and the private sector and recommend appropriate priorities for executive and legislative actions. The report shall be printed and distributed to all national agencies, the LGUs, civil society and the private sector organizations involved in said programs.
The annual report shall evaluate the content, implementation and impact of all policies related to reproductive health and family planning to ensure that such policies promote, protect and fulfill reproductive health and rights, particularly of parents, couples and women.
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SEC. [27] 25. Congressional Oversight Committee (COC). – There is hereby created a COC composed of five (5) members each from the Senate and the HOR. The members from the Senate and the HOR shall be appointed by, the Senate President and the Speaker, respectively, based on proportional representation of the parties or coalition therein with at least one (1) member representing the Minority.
The COC shall be headed by the respective Chairs of the Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Population and Family Relations of the HOR. The Secretariat of the COC shall come from the existing Secretariat personnel of the Senate’ and of the HOR’ committees concerned.
The COC shall monitor and ensure the effective implementation of this Act, determine the inherent weakness and loopholes in the law, recommend the necessary remedial legislation or administrative measures and perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to attain the objectives of this Act.
SEC. [28] 26. Prohibited Acts. – The following acts are prohibited:
(a) Any healthcare service provider, whether public or private, who shall:
(1) Knowingly withhold information or restrict the dissemination thereof, or intentionally provide incorrect information regarding programs and services on reproductive health, including the right to informed choice and access to a full range of legal, medically safe and effective family planning methods;
(2) Refuse to perform legal and medically safe reproductive health procedures on any person of legal age on the ground of lack of third party consent or authorization. In case of married persons, the mutual consent of the spouses shall be preferred. However in case of disagreement, the decision of the one undergoing the procedure shall
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prevail. In the case of abused minors where parents or other family members are the respondent, accused or convicted perpetrators as certified by the proper prosecutorial office or court, no prior parental consent shall be necessary
@; and
(3) Refuse to extend health care services and information on account of the person’s marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, personal circumstances, or nature of work; Provided, That, the conscientious objection of a healthcare service provider based on his/her ethical or religious beliefs shall be respected; however, the conscientious objector shall immediately refer the person seeking such care and services to another healthcare service provider within the same facility or one which is conveniently accessible who is willing to provide the requisite information and services; Provided, further, That the person is not in an emergency condition or serious case as defined under Republic Act (RA) 8344 otherwise known as “An Act Penalizing the Refusal of Hospitals and Medical Clinics to Administer Appropriate Initial Medical Treatment and Support in Emergency and Serious Cases”.
(b) Any public official who, personally or through a subordinate, prohibits or restricts the delivery of legal and medically safe reproductive health care services, including family planning; or forces, coerces or induces any person to use such services.
______________________________
[ @ – President B. Aquino proposed the deletion of the entire sub-paragraph (2) of Section 28 (a) on the ground of being vague and unclear. The authors have requested the President to reconsider this proposed amendment because the provision is definitely clear and comprehensible. ]
Page 23 of 24
(c) Any employer or his representative who shall require an employee or applicant, as a condition for employment or continued employment, to undergo sterilization or use or not use any family planning method; neither shall pregnancy be a ground for non-hiring or termination of employment[.]; AND
(d) Any person who shall falsify a certificate of compliance as required in Section 15 of this Act[;]. [and
(e) Any person who maliciously engages in disinformation about the intent or provisions of this Act.]
SEC. [29] 27. Penalties. – Any violation of this Act or commission of the foregoing prohibited acts shall be penalized by imprisonment ranging from one (1) month to six (6) months or a fine of Ten Thousand (P 10,000.00) to Fifty Thousand
12 Pesos (P 50,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the competent court; Provided That, if the offender is a public official or employee, he or she shall suffer the accessory penalty of dismissal from the government service and forfeiture of retirement benefits. If the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president or any responsible officer. An offender who is an alien shall, after service of sentence, be deported immediately without further proceedings by the Bureau of Immigration.
SEC. [30] 28. Appropriations. – The amounts appropriated in the current annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Family Health and Responsible Parenting under the DOH and POPCOM shall be allocated and utilized for the initial implementation of this Act. Such additional sums necessary to implement this Act; provide for the upgrading of facilities necessary to meet Basic Emergency and Obstetric
________________________
[ 2 – Authors’ proposed amendment ]
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Care and Comprehensive Emergency and Obstetric Care standards; 1 train and deploy skilled health providers; procure family planning supplies and commodities as provided in Sec. 6, and implement other reproductive health services, shall be included in the subsequent GAA.
SEC. [31] 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). – Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DOH shall formulate and adopt amendments to the existing rules and regulations to carry out the objectives of this Act, in consultation with the Secretaries of the DepEd, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the DOLE, the DSWD, the Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Commissioner of CHED, the Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and two NGOs or Peoples’ Organizations (POs) for women. Full dissemination of the IRR to the public shall be ensured.
SEC. [32] 30. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.
SEC. [33] 31. Repealing Clause. – All other laws, decrees, orders, issuances, rules and regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. [34] 32. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
Mel says
Proposed amendments will be means tested thru the DSWD, for ‘poorest of the poor’.
kontrapilo says
HOW CAN IT BE? CONTRACEPTION IS CORRUPTION; just like saying MASTURBATION without ERECTION, contraception is a deliberate prevention of conception,, now tell us where is corruption? who committed corruption in this manner? did the man corrupted the woman? or the other way around? did a man committed a sin or a crime of corruption when the man deliberately prevented the woman to conception?
kontrapilo says
CONTROL simply means, you either turn down or turn up, just like the volume control of your tv, our growing populations needs to be control now, RH Bill is the answer, there is nothing in the bill that we must stop procreating babies, how can we have a good future if by now we can hardly support our growing population, we need to plan for tomorrow, but how can tomorrow will come if today can’t live a day to see the light of tomorrow. So the best way to see our tomorrow is to control , ISN’T IT?
Mel says
PRO-RH Bill
ANTI-RH Bill
kontrapilo says
Of course, everyone is entitled to their own principles and opinions, the only question is; what have those bishops have done to us in terms of MORAL AND SPIRITUAL VALUES?
Have they taught us the true and genuine values without the gains of materials things, a religions based on commercialism cannot stand without the spiritual values taught to us by Jesus Christ in the BIBLE ,NO LESS; NO MORE. On what grounds that they have to manipulate the real contents of the Bible to induce FEAR as a way to be beholden to their manipulated doctrine? Is it not MONEY? How much wealth does the CATHOLIC have in their saving account, why can’t they share it to the people to uplift poverty and hunger to our people.
I pray that our people will be awaken to know the true and real motives of these bishops who always interfere in the affair of our government. Their business is to attend and teach the real moral and spiritual values of their flocks. Perhaps our public officials ,most of them are Catholics may someday come into their moral senses not to steal people’s money. i pray that the bishops may someday come into their senses that material things cannot be brought to their heavens SHARE IT
tm says
very well said. same sentiments here. im having flashbacks on high school days when i read Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. the priests then are similar to the CHURCH today. they have personal intentions to the people. i rather read the bible than hear mass and hear them talk. i learned my moral values from my parents and friends and loveones and not from the priests or the church
kontrapilo says
The catholic is plain business, a money making religion, from birth to grave, from sperm to germ,and from conception to resurrection.They manipulate people with their own version of the Bible. Look and hear the priest at their sermon, you hear nothing at the old priest, and you hear jokes at the younger priest just to get attention with their homily.
Mel says
ON THE 15th of October 2008, 14 Ateneo professors from the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University, issued a joint statement, “Catholics Can Support the RH Bill in Good Conscience”.
The Ateneo professors called for the passage of the bill, then House Bill 5043, which is now the consolidated House Bill 4244 (principally authored by the lower House, Albay Rep Edcel Lagman and supported by Pres. N Aquino).
Catholics Can Support the RH Bill in Good Conscience
CATHOLICS CAN SUPPORT THE RH BILL IN GOOD CONSCIENCE
Mel says
Mel says
Fair Play
While ‘ONE HUNDRED and sixty professors of the Ateneo have signed a declaration of support for House Bill 4244… ‘, and allowed to express their ‘Academic Freedom‘, another group of ‘alumni, family and friends of the Ateneo de Manila University’ have put up a ‘petition [is] to precisely ask the Jesuit Fathers for accountability‘.
Go to ‘www gopetition com/petitions/re-claim-the-catholic-identity-of-the-ateneo-de-manila html’ for their official statement and petition background.
Read related comment: #48.2 at raissarobles com/2012/08/05/fr-bernas-quietly-writes-on-rh-bill-on-the-very-day-that-bishops-lambast-it/#comment-70311
Alizarin Viridia says
FOR INFO AND FURTHER DISCUSSION ONLY … PLS.
An author had dissected in a book “The Beginning of Inifinity” by postulating that explaining the creation of the universe is the start of infinity. Explanation in any context can be the starting universe of infinity. The Socratic method seemingly boring and crude to an unconvinced Bishop misnamed Socrates is an inappropriate way of bridging the chasm between contraception and corruption. Explanation if is truly the beginning of infinity, can also be interpreted as nitpicking, or ridiculous questioning that can be mistaken as cynical criticism.
That being said, I shall apply that to the posting of manxx. Hoping to widen and deepen the issues covered. My comments are capitalized in brackets.
31 manxx says:
August 7, 2012 at 3:47 am
I live in a country where contraception and abortion is government funded (from tax money) and made accessible to all (including teenagers). As expected, the birth rate is on decline but the population continues to increase as a government strategy. The increase in population is mainly due to an aging population (people living longer) [THIS IS NOT SO CLEAR TO ME, AS A SENIOR LIKE OTHERS I CAN’T DOUBLE MYSELF PHYSICALLY. WE DON’T INCREASE THE POPULATION BY NOT DYING, IT’S BABIES BORN EVERY MINUTE THAT INCREASE THE POPULATION] and a successful program to attract foreign migrants like myself [AT THE RATE COUNTRIES ARE REJECTING APPLICANTS, QUALITY SEEMS OF RELEVANCE THAN QUANTITY INCREASES]. The aging population and decline in birth rate is leading this country to economic collapse [THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE STATEMENT. IS THIS THE CASE RECENTLY WITH GREECE, PORTUGAL, ETC OF COUNTRIES WITH THE EC. IS NOT JAPAN AND SINGAPORE OTRA COSAS?]. The immigration policy is want [what?] sustains this society [WOW! WHAT ABOUT NATURAL RESOURCES? WHAT ABOUT McCLELANDS THE LOCAL PEOPLE’S HISTORIC NEED FOR ACHIEVEMENT (N-Ach) OF ACHIEVING SOCIETIES?.
What is puzzling is why this country continues to promote a failed population control policy to developing nations like the Philippines [THIS AND OTHER CHRISTIAN COUNTRIES WHICH PROMOTED POP CONTROL POLICIES IN THE SIXTIES MAY ALREADY HAVE LUKEWARMED AND LOST INTEREST FROM THE MILLENIUM UNLESS THEIR BUDGETS PROVED OTHERWISE. IF THEY ARE STILL AT IT, THEY CAN BE STUPID NOT TO KNOW POLICY FAILURE IS CAUSED BY INTERVENING VARIABLES LIKE ANOTHER KIND OF CORRUPTION NOT IN THE CONTEXT OF BISHOP SOCRATES’ DEFINITION].
Indeed why do they insist that sexual and reproductive health programs that include abortion [I THOUGHT ABORTION IS A CRIME IN THE PHIL. TO INCLUDE IT IN THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PROGRAM IN FUTURE POLICY OF THE PHIL SMACKS OF CRIMINAL BENT AND STUPIDITY OF FILIPINO LAWMAKERS] be a prerequisite to providing economic assistance [THE DOCUMENTS MUST BE SHOWN TO THE PUBLIC, SINCE THIS IS A DANGEROUS WORLD INTERNATIONAL POLICY, OTHERWISE THIS CAN BE AN UNCONSCIONABLE LIE]? And how much of foreign loans to developing countries actually go back to “donors” to pay for contraceptive medicines and condoms [COULD IT BE LIKE THESE? WE LEND YOU MONEY SO YOU CAN BUY OUR CONDOMS, BUT YOUR POLITICIANS STEAL MORE THAN HALF THE MONEY AND THEREFORE I AM THE BAD GUY BECAUSE I INSIST ON COLLECTING THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF LOAN]? How much data is there to prove that birth control promotes economic growth? [NOT MUCH OF COURSE, BECAUSE THAT’S NOT IT. WHO KNOWS REALLY THAT IT IS NOT ABOUT ECONOMICS BUT ABOUT INFANT MORTALITY AND MATERNAL CHILD, TO REMEDY CRIMINAL NEGLECT OF THESE SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION].
Facts and basic economics dispute the prevailing media comments that birth control reduces poverty [INFALLIBILISM IS MEDIA’S FEW FAILINGS. NARROW MEDIA INTELLIGENCE MAY HAVE CONCTRIBUTED TO THEIR CLAIM THAT BIRTH CONTROL NOT ONLY PROMOTES ECONOMIC GROWTH BUT ALSO REDUCES POVERTY. WOW!!] . If indeed we require population control, the easiest way to reduce population is to target the fastest [IN THE PHILIPPINES?] growing segment – the seniors (oh no that is me! ) [DO YOU PHYSICALLY DOUBLE YOURSELF EVERY YEAR? DON’T THESE ADDITIVE SENIORS COME FROM BABIES ALREADY BORN 60 YEARS AGO. IF IT IS NOT MATH, IS IT THEN THE HEALTH SYSTEM FOR SENIORS NOT CORRUPT ENOUGH AND ALMOST SO ACCESSIBLE THAT SENIORS LIVE LONGER LIVES?].
The economy is not stagnant (BUT COLLAPSING?] nor the theory of Thomas Malthus valied (VALID?). Population growth fuels [SLOWS IT DOWN TOO?] the economy. At least the economy that we care about that provides decent food, clothes, education, medical care and housing Potential capital for growth (and source of government tax revenue for social services) is stashed away by the super wealthy in the estimate of $21 Trillion. Not surprising that may be the biggest proponent of birth control. [HOW IS THAT AGAIN? IS THAT BILL AND MELINDA GATES’ BILLION DOLLARS WAY OF HELPING MUCH OF AFRICA?]
There is no correlation between poverty and population [POSITIVE CORRELATION SAYS INCREASES IN ONE RESULTS IN INCREASES IN THE OTHER; NEGATIVE CORRELATION SAY AS ONE INCREASES THE OTHER DECREASES. THERE IS NO CORRELATION IF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN ONE HAS NOT CONNECTION WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE OTHER] Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and the Netherlands have high population densities with wealthy economies [LET US SEE ABOUT COUNTRIES IN THE OPPOSITE POLE LIKE DENSELY POPULATED AFRICAN CITIES, OR COUNTRIES LIKE THE PHILIPPINES, INDONESIA, PAKISTAN AND BANGLADESH]. The United Kingdom has three times the density population but eight-one times richer than Ghana. [CAN WE JUST A BIT THINK OF QUALITY AND NOT QUANTITY PERHAPS AS OUR VARIABLE? Is population the cause of poverty? [TO THINK AND ARGUE THAT POPULATION PER SE IS THE CAUSE OF POVERTY IS TRICKY TO SAY THE LEAST] Or population control programs further support the economies of “donor” countries? Yet, institutions like the World Bank [AND LOCAL THIEVES] and first world countries continue their eugenic cult without actually helping families escape from misery and poverty.
Billions of aid/loan dollars (to be repaid) are spend to reduce population with dubious results [BECAUSE OF WHAT? THIEVERY BY BANKS OR LOCAL OFFCIALDOM?]. Another puzzle is why the same people who protest against the cultural invasion of multinational corporations would strongly support the cult of contraception and abortion on women (and men) that violates our morals and dignity [CAN STATISTICS (of Senators and Congressmen separated from their wives) EXPLAIN ?
Like many developing countries, the Philippine government is under(?) to legislate so called reproductive health policies (same words taken in US laws) as a contingent to continuing foreign aid. [THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR THE PUBLIC TO KNOW, SO PUBLISH THE FACTS AND DOCUMENTS]
The long-ago instituted policy of the western governments to fund and promote birth control is a total failure leading to their economic collapse [NAME SOME EXAMPLES PLEASE WHERE GREEDY THIEVES DID NOT CAUSE THE ECONOMIC COLLAPSE]. Philippines do not need to follow and enrich further this multi-billion dollar birth control industry. [THE LOGIC OF BUSINESS IS THE LOGIC OF CAPITALISM WHICH IS COMENSURATE BENEFITS TO BOTH BUYERS AND SELLERS. THIEVERY, DECEIT AND CORRUPTION MAKE FOR IMPERFECT TRANSACTIONS. SELLERS GET THE UPPERHAND BECAUSE THEY GET EXACT OR MORE MONEY FOR THEIR TRANSACTIONS. BUYERS CAN CHEAT AMONG THEMSELVES AND SELLERS COULD NOT CARE LESS.
Alizarin Viridia says
Re writing something to a more readable form to make a divergent conjecture this is an explanation (beginning of infinity?) to manxx (1960s?) posted ideas.
I am not sure to what extent taxpayers money is being used by USA or Canada or Scandinavian countries which are funding contraception and abortion, to make them accessible to those who would want them.
IF programmes which implement contraception and abortion policies are effective, it is certain that the birth rate will gradually decline over the years. Reduced number of births however, may not result in population growth (an example of negative correlation) arising from illusory increase in number of seniors (age 60+) because of improved health care of the elderly. It does not follow says the Pareto Principle or whatever. Fiscal theory says you can hardly shoot two birds with one stone. What you spent to ensure success of contraception and abortion YOU DENY the other policy of elderly health care. You can not have your cake and eat it too. The hypothesis hole is: A drastic decrease in birth rate will result to population growth.
Edward F. Robinson—if the elderly amongst us still remember—was given though against his will, a “heavenly” music and luxuriant viridian scenery send-off to heaven. But part of the journey involves making his mortal parts into bakery products to nourish the forever young populace. Charlton Heston was the kill joy who tried to thwart in the film SOYLENT GREEN. If only to illustrate the ludicrous and preposterous nature of the future of forever young. Or A WORLD forever old by preventing births or killing babies. Or did I mixed it up with the film SANCTUARY?
The above is a re-write of my previous unclear? comment:
AS A SENIOR LIKE OTHERS I CAN’T DOUBLE MYSELF PHYSICALLY. WE DON’T INCREASE THE POPULATION BY NOT DYING, IT’S BABIES BORN EVERY MINUTE LONG AGO THAT’S INCREASING THE POPULATION].
Another re-write: In Canada’s beginnings to conquer and domesticate the cruel wilderness, farm labor were mainly children delivered from succession of mothers (dead by childbirth and slavish home care) until centuries later when infant mortality and grossly inadequate maternal and child health services changed the demographic picture of a Canadian family having fewer children. Horse drawn plows were replaced by tractors and combines. Fewer children work and play the spacious farm lots. Meanwhile immigrants come NOT in droves to beat the hard rural life. THAT WAS BEFORE. Nowadays as I have posted vaguely: [AT THE RATE THE COUNTRY IS REJECTING APPLICANTS, QUALITY SEEMS OF RELEVANCE THAN QUANTITY INCREASES].
Similarly, I fail to see clearly the nexus between aging population and decline in birth rate on the one hand, and economic collapse, on the other; of the former leading to latter. So I asked: IS THIS THE CASE RECENTLY WITH GREECE, PORTUGAL, ETC OF COUNTRIES WITH THE EC. ARE NOT JAPAN AND SINGAPORE CONVERSE CASES?
Likewise it can be worst than oversimplification to say “immigration policy is what sustains the society”, This could be more of an immigrant’s self-serving viewpoint that’s not acceptable to defensive nationalistic and racist-tainted views of the natives. What sustains society could be a thousand other factors alloyed to positive immigration.
The “Good old days” nostalgia afflicts regrets for gone good old days, that might NEVER returned. In the sixties Agriculture has it Green Revolution, followed by maternal and child health concern which has its Family Planning “condom rush”. Now, economic crimes have sired “stimulus” to combat its consequent economic crisis. I can not believe that countries’ thrust (taxpayer money thrown in) on population continues and is sustained up to this time. If their investments failed, it is but sane policy to minimize if not totally closed the tap. So I wrote: IF THEY ARE STILL AT IT, THEY CAN BE STUPID NOT TO KNOW POLICY FAILURE IS CAUSED BY INTERVENING VARIABLES LIKE ANOTHER KIND OF CORRUPTION NOT IN THE CONTEXT OF BISHOP SOCRATES’ DEFINITION.
Contraception have many methods but NOT one of them is abortion. Both can be in general a SIN just like adultery and concubinage but they are not interchangeable to remove the inadequacy of vagueness. To occupy mental space, one has to replace the other.
IF THE contraception tap has been closed or is not as vigorous as in the sixties of the good old days, it’s inutil argument to invoke them now. So I added: I THOUGHT ABORTION IS A CRIME IN THE PHIL. SO TO INCLUDE IT IN THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PROGRAMME IN FUTURE POLICY OF THE PHIL SMACKS OF CRIMINAL BENT AND STUPIDITY OF FILIPINO LAWMAKERS. So I stop here, ‘tis enough said from me.
Maria A. says
“Breaking news: President Aquino asks his allies in the HOR, both pro and anti to end, to end the RH Bill TODAY (August 6).” Regardless of the results of the voting, what it shows is that we have a President who walks the talk.
For so long, we have been clamoring for a President with political will. Finally, I believe we have a leader who possesses political will – and exercises such within the processes enshrined in the Constitution. Who knew that this seemingly unassuming, mild-mannered and low profile person would possess this rare (at least in this country) trait? Pnoy has certainly exceeded my expectations.
joy says
Hi Raissa,
You know me personally. I am not a mole here. I have read your very first blog entry. I have cheered you from the sidelines. We have a common ground, our love for our boys.
My take on this- I have been questioning the real intent of the RH Bill. I too frown on the stand of the Church. I know deep inside, the POOR will be the hapless subject both of the government and the Church. I have my doubts.
UNTIL yesterday while listening to my priest deliver his homily. It was not a really good one, but something just struck me there. He said, a gift is a blessing. You don’t ask for it, it is freely given. If we consider kids to be gifts or blessings, we welcome them to our lives. No matter our state of life.
In Man’s finite wisdom, we may want a perfect world for our children. A stable job, a comfortable dwelling, education, a conducive environment for them to grow into better individuals. But this is our will. God’s will however, brought forth amazing individuals, intelligent and productive people from the rubble of war and poverty. Not all of us writing our thoughts here now, came from privileged families, our parents themselves were not all raised from perfect situations. But we all survived, achieved good not only for ourselves but for others too. I was just thinking, maybe if there was an RH Bill in the 60’s , 70’s 0r the 80’s – who among us reading this blog now would have been lost forever?
Faith has sustained mankind all these years of famine, hardship and wars. My God, my faith and my belief sustained me through the worst and the best. Forgive me for over simplifying the argument , but children will always be gifts we never choose to have, just as us parents, are God’s gifts to our kids, who never had the chance to choose us. I have never said no to a gift. I will feel just as bad declining a gift. No matter if the gift is in the form of an autistic child. But I will also fight for a just and humane world that will equally embrace and provide for this gift to grow and prosper.
joy
andrew lim says
Lovely writing , Ms. joy.
Advocates for RH do so with a genuine desire for improved conditions (health, educational, economic, etc) for all. To the best of their analysis, this is the way to go.
Anti RH people go for the same things above, but believe the methods are not right. But they stop there and say things like “solve corruption” or “create jobs” which we know are correct bu not that easy.We have a president who is as strong willed to fight corruption more than any in recent memory. But you’ve seen how hard it is – Gloria is slippery, etc.
What will a little planning do to harm people? Wont that ease the burden on everyone?
Paul Sarmiento says
90% of what the RH bill I agree with. but it is exactly the family planning part that should not be there because that will be our downfall. We have been blessed to have witnessed what population control has done to other countries and we should heed the lessons from their experience.
maddog says
what would happen if one refuses god’s gift because it’s not possible to take proper care of if?
joy says
I would like to believe the gift was given because God saw one’s capacity to take care of that gift. Is the recipient willing to take care of the gift is Free Will. Another gift, by the way. Bless you!
Paolo says
how about atheists like me? Should we be deprived of this? ano yun discimination?
maddog says
if one can decide to refuse or accept something, isn’t that free will?
is it free will if you have to have a child no matter what the circumstances are and then force yourself to commit prostitution or thefts because you needed to properly take care of that child?
JustAThought says
@Joy:
Do not apologize for your statement, for what you just quoted from your priest is profound:
“…gifts are blessings” and if I may add, unless we human beings discard or reject it.
Thank you for sharing your encounter with wisdom.