...IV. Background and Exposition The Reproductive Health Bill was first proposed in 1998 by Edcel Lagman of Albay. The said bill aims to improve and promote all methods of family planning, both natural and modern, to help our country’s dilemma regarding the continued growth of our population. The RH Bill gives information to family planning. It will improve maternal, infant and child health and nutrition. It promotes breast feeding. Then abortion will remain illegal and it is punishable by law but post-abortion complications will be given medical aid. It also contains prevention of reproductive tract infections like HIV/AIDS, STD, etc; treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers, and prevention and treatment of infertility. It has elimination of violence against women and also education of sexuality and reproductive health. It includes male involvement and participation in the reproductive health and lastly education of reproductive health for the youth. For several reasons this bill has been an issue in our country for years. It has its pros and cons. Some say it is advantageous because it will really help in the country’s problem, the never ending growth of population that eventually leads to the country’s unchanging state of poverty. Some say it is a no no because of its very ill effects, immorality and sinful act. While, others have no idea what it is nor have any concern about what is happening around them which is really unfortunate. So the researchers thought...
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...The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10354), informally known as the Reproductive Health Law or RH Law, is a law in the Philippines, which guarantees universal access to methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care. While there is general agreement about its provisions on maternal and child health, there is great debate on its mandate that the Philippine government and the private sector will fund and undertake widespread distribution of family planning devices such as condoms, birth control pills, and IUDs, as the government continues to disseminate information on their use through all health care centers. Passage of the legislation was controversial and highly divisive, with experts, academics, religious institutions, and major political figures declaring their support or opposition while it was pending in the legislature. Heated debates and rallies both supporting and opposing the RH Bill took place nationwide. The Supreme Court delayed implementation of the law in March 2013 in response to challenges. On April 8, 2014, the Court ruled that the law was "not unconstitutional" but struck down eight provisions partially or in full.[ Criticism[edit] Opponents of the bill argue that: People's freedom to access contraceptives is not restricted by any opposing law, being available in family planning NGOs, stores, etc. The country is not a welfare state: taxpayer's money should not be used...
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...HOUSE BILL NO. 5043 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008“. SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State upholds and promotes responsible parenthood, informed choice, birth spacing and respect for life in conformity with internationally recognized human rights standards. The State shall uphold the right of the people, particularly women and their organizations, to effective and reasonable participation in the formulation and implementation of the declared policy. This policy is anchored on the rationale that sustainable human development is better assured with a manageable population of healthy, educated and productive citizens. The State likewise guarantees universal access to medically-safe, legal, affordable and quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies and relevant information thereon even as it prioritizes the needs of women and children,among other underprivileged sectors. SEC. 3. Guiding Principles. – This Act declares the following as basic guiding principles: a. In the promotion of reproductive health, there should be no bias for either modern or natural methods of family planning; b. Reproductive health...
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...The advantage of Reproductive Health Bill in the Philippines is that hopes to provide midwives for skilled attendance to childbirth and emergency obstetric care, even in geographically isolated and depressed areas. Thus, the one of the causes of maternal mortality, that arising from unattended births, will be addressed. The disadvantage of the Reproductive Health Bill in the Philippines is the undue focus being given to reproductive health and population and development, when many more urgent and important health problems need to be addressed in the country, those that cause a significant number of deaths across the country such as cardiovascular diseases and infections. Financial resources allotted by foreign donors to assist the Philippine government programs could actually be better spent towards pursuing health programs targeting communicable diseases than purchasing artificial contraceptives. OPINION As an avid blogger, I was originally doing a research on the education system of the Philippines when I stumbled upon the news of the Reproductive Health bill still under debate, which eventually led me to a blog, AlterNation 101 in blogspot, where I read his take on the issue: "I cannot fathom how promoting parental responsibility and financing everyone's freedom to have sex irresponsibly could mix together. Surely, the proposed law spreads around nice words such as responsibility, healthcare, freedom, choice, development, rights, equality, couples, etc. Yet it is...
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...RH BILL IN THE PHILIPPINES : AGREE OR DISAGREE? By RONALD ALLEN B. CASEÑAS JOSEFINA T. PERLADO Study and Thinking Skills in English TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................1 What is RH Bill? ...................................................................................................................... 2 RH Bill Surveys..............................................................................................................................3 PROS of the bill......................................................................................................................4 CONS of the bill.........................................................................................................................5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................6 Sources and References …………………………………………………………………………..7 INTRODUCTION In has been a national debate in the Philippines whether or not the government should approve the RH bill which aims to ensure a universal access to all the methods and facts about birth control as well as maternal awareness. Aside from this bill that Senator Meriam Defensor Santiago have made there is another bill that shares the same goal and was proposed by Albay’s 1st district Representative Edcel Lagman which is...
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...CATHOLICS CAN SUPPORT THE RH BILL IN GOOD CONSCIENCE (Position paper on the Reproductive Health Bill by individual faculty* of the Ateneo de Manila University) (Note: The opinions expressed in this paper are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of other faculty. Neither do they represent the official position of the Ateneo de Manila University nor the Society of Jesus.) We, individual faculty of the Ateneo de Manila University, call for the immediate passage of House Bill 5043 on “Reproductive Health and Population Development” (hereafter RH Bill) in Congress. After examining it in the light of Philippine social realities, and informed by our Christian faith, we have reached the conclusion that our country urgently needs a comprehensive and integrated policy on reproductive health and population development, as provided by the RH Bill. We also believe that the provisions of the bill adhere to core principles of Catholic social teaching: the sanctity of human life, the dignity of the human person, the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, integral human development, human rights, and the primacy of conscience. Catholic social theology since Vatican II has evolved, on the one hand, from the emphasis on order, social cohesiveness, the acceptance of some inequality, and obedience to authorityto the recognition, on the other, of the centrality of the human person, and the concomitant need for human freedom, equality, and participation (Pacem...
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...CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10354), informally known as the Reproductive Health Law or RH Bill, is a law in the Philippines, which guarantees universal access to methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care. While there is general agreement about its provisions on maternal and child health, there is great debate on its mandate that the Philippine government and the private sector will fund and undertake widespread distribution of family planning devices such as condoms, birth control pills, and IUDs, as the government continues to disseminate information on their use through all health care centers. Passage of the legislation was controversial and highly divisive, with experts, academics, religious institutions, and major political figures declaring their support or opposition while it was pending in the legislature. Heated debates and rallies both supporting and opposing the RH Bill took place nationwide. The Supreme Court delayed implementation of the law in March 2013 in response to challenges. As of August 18 this delay was still in force "until further orders". REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE One of the most controversial issues confronting the Philippines today is about reproductive health. Many written materials and publications are available asserting about elements of reproductive health with different perspectives. Their ultimate goal is to improve...
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...Introduction Reproductive life planning includes all the decision an individual or couple make about having children (2007, Pillitteri). It is important for the health of children that as many pregnancies as possible be intended, because when a pregnancy is unintended, the mother is less likely to seek prenatal check, less likely to breast feed and less careful to protect the fetus from harmful substances. An individual’s or a couple’s choice of contraceptive method should be made carefully, with complete knowledge about advantages, disadvantages, and side effects of the various options. Important things to consider include the following: * Personal values * Ability to use a method correctly * How the method will affect sexual enjoyment * Financial factors * Status of a couple’s relationship * Prior experiences * Future plans The widespread use of contraceptives points to both an increased awareness of responsibility for contraception and options available. Understanding this concept, its work and how they compare in terms of benefits and disadvantages is necessary for successful counseling. Legal and ethical issues must also be considered when counseling clients. The arguments about contraception fall into several groups: * philosophical arguments such as the "natural law" argument * arguments based on different ideas of marriage, sex and the family * human rights arguments such as * 'procreative liberty' * a woman's right to...
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...Graduate School of Business Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila A Study on the Attitudes of the Female Residents of Pureza, Manila towards the Reproductive Health Law In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Research Methods and Case Writing Submitted to Dr. Dolores Garcia Submitted by Arien Marie A. Guda I. Introduction Population control or population management has been one of the rallying cries of Filipino economists since Pres. Ferdinand Marcos signed the United Nations Declaration on Population in 1967. With an estimated population of 92,337,852 in 2010 according to the National Statistics Office (National Statistics Office [Philippines]), and a land area of 300,000 sq. m., lawmakers and civic groups have been clamoring for a solution to address the constant growth rate vis a vis the dwindling natural resources in the country. While the population growth rate continues to hold steady(estimated to be at 2.36% per annum in 2008) (National Statistics Office [Philippines] and ICF Macro), the country’s resources, has suffered the same fate as that of the rest of the Asia Pacific region, which, the Asian Development Bank, in collaboration with the WWF, says is, “consuming more resources than its ecosystems can sustain, threatening the future of the region’s beleaguered forests, rivers, and oceans as well as the livelihoods of those who depend on them.” In an effort to help address this issue, stakeholders have sought to offer various methods...
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...The Reproductive Health law is Philippine law aiming to guarantee universal access to methods and information on birth control and maternal care. It is a way of helping people to be more advance, well prepared, and to widen up each and every individuals mind setting about our society now a day. There is this top agreement about its provisions on maternal and child health care, there is great debate on its proposal that we taxpayer and the private sector will fund and undertake widespread distribution of family planning devices such as birth control pills (BCPs) and IUDs, and as the government continue campaigning to broadcast a good information and effect on its use through health care centers nationwide. Everyone has been talking about this RH law, for some agreed and some don’t. In some part of each individual, RH law may help and it may bring into some point also that it may trigger to do such thing that will ruin someone’s life. But as the saying goes that every little thing that is too much is not good. So, it depends on how we’re going to take it and treat it as long as we are only motivated to do well and focus only to what could bring us a healthy and happy life. The bill mandates the government to “promote, without bias, all effective natural and modern methods of family planning that are medically safe and legal.” Although abortion is recognized as illegal and punishable by law, the bill states that “the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion...
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...Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 The Philippines is one of the countries experiencing population explosion. Our population is sparking an intensifying discussion on various environmental, health and economic issues. It is said to be the root cause of extreme poverty, high crime rates, destructive ecological backlash, depletion of natural resources and unmanageable health problems. So, how can we address this problem? A very good model to this is the most controversial "Reproductive Health Bill". House Bill No. 5043 - An act providing for a national policy on reproductive health, responsible parenthood, population development and for other purposes. This act shall be known as the "Reproductive Health and Development Act of 2008". This bill aims to promote responsible parenthood, properly conceptualized birth spacing and respect for life in consonance with the internationally recognized human rights standard. It also guarantees universal access to medically safe, legal, affordable, and quality reproductive health care services either on modern or natural methods, devices, and supplies all for the promotion of gender equality and woman empowerment. It does not only aim to mold citizens but to also prevent reproductive tract infections such as HIV, AIDS and STD. If people will acquire pertinent information on what RH Bill is all about then misconceptions will be addressed and they will realize that this bill is not anti-life but a pro-life mandate. We...
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...RH Bill President Benigno Aquino III signed into law Republic Act No. 10354 or the "Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012" Friday last week, December 21, according to a copy obtained by Rappler. It was signed without fanfare, confirmed House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II on Friday, December 28. On Saturday, December 29, Malacañang issued a statement saying: "The passage into law of the Responsible Parenthood Act closes a highly divisive chapter of our history—a chapter borne of the convictions of those who argued for, or against this Act, whether in the legislative branch or in civil society. At the same time, it opens the possibility of cooperation and reconciliation among different sectors in society: engagement and dialogue characterized not by animosity, but by our collective desire to better the welfare of the Filipino people. This is the mark of a true democracy: one in which debate that spans all levels of society is spurred by deeply-held beliefs and values, enriching and elevating public discourse, as we all work together to find ways to improve the lives of our fellow citizens." Landmark legislation The RH law provides universal access to reproductive health care services and information, which do not prevent the implantation of a fertilized ovum as determined by the Food and Drug Administration. It prioritizes poorer households as identified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction. A new law only takes effect 15...
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...#Yes2RH: Selfies in support of the reproductive health law Using the hashtag #Yes2RH, upload selfies on your Facebook and Twitter accounts from March 28 until April 8 in support of the reproductive health law Rappler.com Published 5:26 PM, March 27, 2014 Updated 5:26 PM, March 27, 2014 [pic] MANILA, Philippines – A social media campaign is underway to raise awareness in support of the reproductive health (RH) law, whose implementation has been put on hold by the Supreme Court for a year a now. Republic Act 10354, which would provide information on and access to reproductive health services, is under status quo ante order “until further orders” by the Supreme Court (SC). The law – probably the most polarizing national issue today – was passed on December 18, 2012, after 13 years in Congress. Anti-RH advocates immediately questioned the constitutionality of the law before the SC. The high court is expected to decide on the case in April, with insiders predicting the law could be headed for defeat in the Supreme Court. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr has said that declaring the RH law as unconstitutional would be "a veto against the will of majority of our people." As decision time nears, frustrated reproductive health supporters are taking the fight to the social media world. The #Yes2RH campaign was initiated by Likhaan Center for Women's Health, in cooperation with several other pro-RH organization.It will run from March 28 until April 8. Likhaan...
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...RH LAW [ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10354 ] AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as “The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012″. SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes and guarantees the human rights of all persons including their right to equality and nondiscrimination of these rights, the right to sustainable human development, the right to health which includes reproductive health, the right to education and information, and the right to choose and make decisions for themselves in accordance with their religious convictions, ethics, cultural beliefs, and the demands of responsible parenthood. Pursuant to the declaration of State policies under Section 12, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is the duty of the State to protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution and equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of women especially mothers in particular and of the people in general and instill health consciousness among them. The family is the natural and fundamental unit of society. The State shall likewise protect and advance the right of families in particular and the people in general to a balanced and healthful...
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...Addressing the Reproductive Health Needs a n d R i g h t s o f Yo u n g P e o p l e s i n c e I C P D – T h e C o n t r i b u t i o n o f U N F PA a n d I P P F Bangladesh Country Evaluation Report DFID Department for International Development Addressing the Reproductive Health Needs and Rights of Young People since ICPD: The contribution of UNFPA and IPPF Bangladesh Country Evaluation Report September 2003 Written by: Alanagh Raikes Malabika Sarker Hashima-e-Nasreen For: UNIVERSITY OF HEIDELBERG UNFPA and IPPF Evaluation: Bangladesh Country Report CONTENTS Acronyms................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... ii Acknowledgements ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... iv Analytical Summary ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 1 Key Findings and Recommendations................................ ................................ ..................... 8 Introduction ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 12 Section 1: The Country Specific Context ................................ ................................ .............. 14 Section 2: The Country Programmes’ Strategic Priorities ................................ .................
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