Group pushing for Reproductive Health Bill's approval

CEBU, Philippines – Seeing the importance of the Reproductive Health Bill, particularly on women and children, health practitioners, various groups and individuals yesterday launched the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) to push for the approval of the proposed law.

RHAN-Cebu, together with organizers from the University of San Carlos and representatives from the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development, is supporting the House Bill 5043, commonly known as the Reproductive Health Bill, because they see it as a way to protect the lives of women and children.

Elmira Judy Aguilar of RHAN-Cebu stated that despite the negative feedback on RH Bill, they are supporting it because they have seen that there has been an increase of abortion cases in the Central Visayas lately.

Aguilar, a nurse by profession, emphasized the bill will help prevent abortion in the country as well as unwanted pregnancies by providing information and services on sexuality and modern contraceptive methods.  

According to the group, the bill will have men involved in reproductive health and in the prevention of transmission of reproductive tract and transmitted infections.

Aguilar said they will be having educational campaigns through radio and TV guestings and distribution of streamers in strategic areas that will help in the dissemination of information and signify their support for the RH bill.

The group will also print support statements in school papers like in the University of San Carlos and distribute information materials and engage in community discussions.

Ramon San Pascual of PLCPD said the Philippines is only country in Asia that has no strong policy in population and development.

He said RH care programs would provide education and information on human sexuality and responsible parenthood.

However, the move of RHAN and USC was criticized by Human Life Incorporated, a group against the RH bill.

Dr. Rene Bullecer of HLI said it was a shame knowing that the supporters are from priests-run school like USC and other Catholics.

He said they will let RHAN and the other supporters go on with their activities but they will also remain in opposing the bill. He added they will be reporting to church authorities the activities made by supporters of the bill so that “proper disciplinary actions would be made.”

Bullecer believes those who support the bill may have been misinformed and not well aware of the “evils of the bill.” He said they are confident the proposed law would not prosper because 125 congressmen are on their side.

He stated that the only one who is not on their side is Cebu sixth district Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz.

Bullecer said they have not confirmed about the stand of fifth district Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano but claimed they have received information that Durano and fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon have already assured Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Vidal that they will not support the bill. — AJ de la Torre/WAB (THE FREEMAN)