Feature: Reproductive Health as an Electoral Issue

PIA Press Release 2009/09/29
Re-posted by: Catholics for REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (C4RH) Cebu

Koronadal City (29 September) -- The FORUM for Family Planning and Development, Inc. (FORUM) and the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) in a joint statement laud presidential candidates expressing support for family planning and the reproductive health bill.

"Presidential candidates supporting reproductive health show that they are aware of the people's needs and the duty of government to provide the right information and services on reproductive health. This will be to their advantage," said Ben De Leon, President of the FORUM.

He explains "contrary to what the oppositionists are saying, reproductive health promotes the freedom of an individual to found a family. Reproductive health does not promote abortion but rather prevents it."

He cites vasectomy and tubal ligation as an example. "Anti-RH claims it to be abortifacient, but the truth is that, these are safe and legal methods of family planning."

"Congress should now approve House Bill 5043 and Senate Bill 3122 because the people demands for family planning and reproductive health education and services," the FORUM stressed.

Various surveys conducted since 1991 and until 2009 reveal that 87% of Filipinos say that family planning is important while 74% believe that the government should provide budget for family planning education and services.

"We are glad to hear prominent presidential candidates openly discussing family issues, and explicitly declaring their support for the RH bill. Policymakers must listen to the overwhelming call of the Filipino people that seek reproductive health education and services and not to the few who are distorting the truth and insists on blackmailing presidential candidates supportive of the RH measure," De Leon concluded.

Together with a growing number of supportive organizations in the country, both non-government organizations are actively pushing for the passage of the pending House Bill 5043 or the "Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2009" and its Senate counterpart, Senate Bill 3122. (aca PIA 12) [top]