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]
Showing posts with label Pro Quality Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pro Quality Life. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Presidentiable Noy Aquino defies church, backs RH Bill
Aquino defies Church, backs controversial bill
Posted by quintessentialy in INQUIRER.net, Philippines.
By Anna Valmero INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:07:00 09/28/2009 Filed Under: Politics, Health
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said on Monday he remains firm in supporting the passage of House Bill 5043 or proposed Reproductive Health and Population Development Act even if it means the Catholic church and pro-life groups will not support his presidential bid for 2010.
Aquino said the bill can pave the way for parents’ education in taking responsibility for the growth of their children. The country’s population can balloon to more than 92 million, according to a forecast by the National Statistics Office.
“Whatever they say about my position on the RH bill, I am sticking to it despite the pressure from certain quarters. If I get the support or not of the Church and pro-life groups [for my presidential bid in 2010], it is secondary for my advocacy to get everybody educated on reproductive health,” he said.
“Parents must be reminded they have a responsibility with their children,” Aquino stressed. “I need not go far to see a mother with children having only 10 months gap in between and with the next generation suffering the same poor conditions.”
But even with a law on reproductive health, Aquino said parents should be given independence to decide on how many children they want and whether or not to use natural or artificial methods of contraception.
Aquino said he is not “comfortable” that the government will provide a specific budget in support of artificial family planning. “And it is not right to tell patients that only artificial methods can be used for family planning,” he added.
Posted by quintessentialy in INQUIRER.net, Philippines.
By Anna Valmero INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:07:00 09/28/2009 Filed Under: Politics, Health
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said on Monday he remains firm in supporting the passage of House Bill 5043 or proposed Reproductive Health and Population Development Act even if it means the Catholic church and pro-life groups will not support his presidential bid for 2010.
Aquino said the bill can pave the way for parents’ education in taking responsibility for the growth of their children. The country’s population can balloon to more than 92 million, according to a forecast by the National Statistics Office.
“Whatever they say about my position on the RH bill, I am sticking to it despite the pressure from certain quarters. If I get the support or not of the Church and pro-life groups [for my presidential bid in 2010], it is secondary for my advocacy to get everybody educated on reproductive health,” he said.
“Parents must be reminded they have a responsibility with their children,” Aquino stressed. “I need not go far to see a mother with children having only 10 months gap in between and with the next generation suffering the same poor conditions.”
But even with a law on reproductive health, Aquino said parents should be given independence to decide on how many children they want and whether or not to use natural or artificial methods of contraception.
Aquino said he is not “comfortable” that the government will provide a specific budget in support of artificial family planning. “And it is not right to tell patients that only artificial methods can be used for family planning,” he added.
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