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RH BILL

There are presently 2 Reproductive Health Bills with the same goals, namely, House

Bill No. 4244 or An Act providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible

Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population Development, and For Other

Purposes introduced by Representative Edcel Lagman and Senate Bill No. 2378 or

An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Development

introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. The Philippines is considered the

12th most populous nation in the world today and that the Filipino womens fertility

rate is at the upper bracket of 206 countries. Under the regime of Pres. Marcos, the

declaration on population was signed together with 12 other countries wherein the

population problem was considered the principal element for long-term economic

development thus, the Population Commission (Popcom) was created. The

population Commission aims to push for a lower family size norm and provide

information and services to lower fertility rates. Different presidents had differentpoints of emphasis. President Aquino stated that he gives full support to a firm

population policy, educating parents to be responsible, providing contraceptives to

those who ask for them, but he refuses to promote contraceptive use. President

Aquinos position is more aptly called responsible parenthood rather than

reproductive health. Proponent such as E. Ansioco of Democratic Socialist Women of

the Philippines argued that, the WHO includes contraceptives in its Model Lists of

Essential Drugs and thus are safe medicines. Medical and scientific evidence says

the main proponent shows that all the possible medical risks connected with

contraceptives are infinitely lower than the risks of an actual pregnancy and

everyday activities. The RH Bill provides for mandatory reproductive health

education and that it be taught in an appropriate manner by adequately trained

teachers starting from Grade 5 up to fourth Year High School. In September 2010,

President Aquino reiterated his stand during his visit to the United States that he is

in favour for responsible parenthood and respects the decision of each couple as to

the number of children they want, and if they need the government support for

contraception, then the government will provide it. The statement of the President

has created to furor as Catholic church leaders say that Aquino has sold out the

Filipino soul in exchange some measly aid from the United States. According to

the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, said that there are possibly be an

excommunication of the President if he continues on with his stand. President

Aquinos spokesperson Edwin Lacierda explained that the President has notchanged his stand and is reaching out to the prelates and said that the President

himself has not made any decision in support of Reproductive Health Bill as he is

still studying the document. Lacierda also stated that the Executive Branch is not

involved in the passage of the RH Bill, saying the measures fate rests solely on the

legislative branch. The Imam Council of the Philippines declared that they are

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against contraceptives since using them underestimates God and makes one

lose morality in the process. Iglesia ni Cristo has expressed support for RH Bill.