PopCom-7 to SC: Lift TRO vs contraceptives

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Population-7 has urged the Supreme Court to lift the temporary restraining order (TRO) on the procurement, selling, distributing, dispensing, administering and promoting contraceptive implants.

“The impending absence of contraceptives, especially the cheaper ones, will affect maternal mortality in the country. When this happens, it will be a public health emergency,” Dr. Juan Antonio Perez, PopCom-7 executive director, said during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza Tuesday.

Perez said SC should uphold the Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, stressing that the delay in its implementation may pose adverse effects on the country’s population programs.

Perez made the call at the height of this year’s Women’s Month celebration with the theme, “We Make Change Work for Women,” which is grounded on women empowerment and equality manifested in the strengthening of the Magna Carta of Women.

The Magna Carta states that women should be given access to information and services, including reproductive health services.

The June 2015 Supreme Court TRO, however, prevented the Department of Health from distributing contraceptives implants, on grounds that these might cause abortion. Also, the court nullified the certification and recertification process of the Food and Drug Administration due to its alleged failure to follow due process.

PopCom data revealed that more than 13.4 million Filipino women were already affected by the TRO of whom 6.1 million who use contraceptives and 7.3 million who need family-planning measures.

PopCom and partner agencies have been intensifying their “one million signature campaign” to appeal to the SC to lift the TRO.

“This Women’s Month, no gift is sweeter for the Filipinos, especially for the women who have long been believed and fought for the law, than the resolution to lift the TRO on family planning,” Perez said. (FREEMAN)