This question cropped up yesterday as proponents of a reproductive health bill said that a comprehensive national policy on responsible parenthood, population management and human development would help curb unwanted pregnancies among the young.
The Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation (PLCPD) cited studies showing that compulsory health education — particularly among the youth — had resulted in a decline of sexual promiscuity.
The PLCDP issued the statement in response to claims by those opposing the reproductive health bill that it would encourage abortion and promote promiscuity among the youth.
On the contrary, the PLCDP said, "studies show that despite the absence of compulsory reproductive health education, sexual promiscuity among Filipino youth is on the rise." In contrast, the group said, sexual promiscuity dropped among the youth in countries where compulsory health education was taught in schools and universities.
It said passing the Reproductive Health Bill (HB 2772) and its counterpart in the Senate (SB 1281) would serve as a guide and provide the public with full access to information on reproductive health and the full range of family planning methods and devices excluding abortion.
The bills also promote gender equality and a woman’s right to reproductive health and respect for the protection of the reproductive health rights of children and adolescents.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, one of the proponents of the bill, said proper information on reproductive health would help the youth better understand sex and the cycle of life.
"Far from engendering a culture of death, HB 3777 will help propagate a culture of life in which every child born to this world is cherished, wanted, nurtured and loved," Lagman said.