Reproductive Health Bill

The Reproductive Health Bill or the RH Bill known as House Bill 4244 in the Philippines appear to have finally made its way out of the woods after its recent simultaneous “triumph” both in the Lower House and the Senate.  Proponents of the program have been showing much jubilation while those against it see the bill’s passing as one of the saddest things that could happen for their cause.  Caught in between, is the Filipina who has no desire to go against her faith but would like to have access to suitable female reproductive health care.

The History of RH Bill in the Philippines

The RH Bill traces its roots to the Declaration on Population signed in 1967 by several countries including the Philippines.  This declaration has identified the population problem as a key element to be considered in planning for long-term economic development.   The Population Commission was established as a result of this for the purpose of decreasing family size.  The United States Agency for International Development or USAID has been shouldering the big bulk of the cost of contraceptives allotted for the country.  USAID started phasing out its program of providing free contraceptives to different countries in the year 2003.

The first RH bill was filed 14 years ago during the 8th Congress.  It has encountered strong opposition mainly from the Roman Catholic Church.  This bill which seeks to make available natural and artificial contraception, among others, found support in the 15th Congress.  The two chambers of Congress have already formed a bicameral committee for the consolidation of the two versions.  The President is likewise expected to sign this into law soon once the consolidated version has been ratified.

Salient Points of the Passed RH Bill

There were at least six prior house bills that were consolidated to form House Bill 4244 which is “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and for Other Purposes”. The full text of the Bill can be seen here. It is known as The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011 or simply The Reproductive Health Bill.

The proponents of the Bill put forward several reasons for laying the foundation of the bill.  Some of which include public access to reproductive health services, better maternal care, responsible parenthood, and youth education on issues related to sexual and reproductive health.  These very reasons however, are causing vehement opposition from the Catholic Church.

The Opposition

Within this seemingly noble purpose lies the basis of the opposition.  The use of the taxpayers’ money to fund the distribution of contraceptives through local and national government agencies, concerns about the very thin line that separates responsible parenthood and population control, the questioned wisdom in providing mandatory RH education to the youth while providing access to contraceptives, and the fear that the use of artificial means of contraception will be presented as a  better option for better maternal care than natural means in spite of assurance of balanced presentation and freedom of choice – are just some of the reasons why The Catholic Church continues to oppose the RH Bill.  This opposition has prompted some quarters to say that the Church has been simply imposing its influence on its followers without regard to their welfare.

Why does the Catholic Church zero in on the RH Bill when it is a fact that contraceptives are commercially available almost everywhere without fear of sanction from the government nor the Church?  The Church’s answer is quite simple.  Enacting the bill into a law provides it undue advantage in logistics and funding which can result in grossly imbalanced presentation of facts, giving rise to the possibility that it will hurt the very same women  it has vowed to protect.  Other countries who have gone on with their plans to control their population appear to be reconsidering and enacting changes that will tend to relax original provisions.

My Say

The free distribution of contraceptives or giving the “marginalized” women access to it does not inspire much confidence in me that a solution to our problems will be reached.  I just cannot help but wonder what would happen if the same amount of funding and efforts will simultaneously be given in support of creating real jobs for Filipinos, jobs that are not merely good to look at in statistics but jobs that can provide self-worth to anyone interested in improving their lives.  I wonder which program will succeed in improving the lives of Filipino men and women alike.

I believe I have heard the best reaction so far to this controversial passage of the RH Bill from one Catholic priest.  He calmly says that the passage of the bill is not the end but rather a signal for them to continue explaining to the public what it is really all about.  There is no doubt that the government will continue to work on their stand as well.  It is anybody’s guess if the two formidable institutions can work together towards the betterment of Filipinos.  The RH Bill in the Philippines has clearly caught the women in between for no one really knows where this path will take us.

Addendum:

President Benigno Aquino III signed the RH Bill into law last December 21, 2012 without much fanfare.  The RH Bill is now known as Republic Act 10354.  Acting as the lead agency for this program is the Department of Health.