RH BILL IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Reproductive Health bills, popularly known as the RH Bill, are Philippine bills aiming to guarantee universal access to methods and information on birth control and maternal care. The bills have become the center of a contentious national debate. There are presently two bills with the same goals: House Bill No. 4244 or An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and For Other Purposes introduced by Albay 1st district Representative Edcel Lagman, and Senate Bill No. 2378 or An Act Providing For a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

While there is general agreement about its provisions on maternal and child health, there is great debate on its key proposal that the Philippine government and the private sector will fund and undertake widespread distribution of family planning devices such as condoms, birth control pills (BCPs) and IUDs, as the government continues to disseminate information on their use through all health care centers.

The bill is highly divisive, with experts, academics, religious institutions, and major political figures supporting and opposing it, often criticizing the government and each other in the process. Debates and rallies for and against the bill, with tens of thousand participating, have been happening all over the country.

Reproductive Health Bill is national in scoop, comprehensive; right based adequate funding of population program. However, this bill had not been signed since the time of President Corazon Aquino and up to the present term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo it was not approved. People from all walks of life have their own opinion about the bill, some are against it but there are those who supported it. Some says that the Catholic Church is behind the rejection of the bill. I thought that the Reproductive Health Bill could help many people especially those who lived in depressed areas who have many children. A woman who hasn't learned about family planning often gives birth, so the fatality encountered by the mother and baby is very high. A poor household consisting of nine or more persons would cause difficulty in managing their income. In addition, the present economic crises we are experiencing worsen their situation in life.
Using contraceptives are more effective compared to rhythmic method. For example, using calendar is not applicable at all time because if the woman has an irregular menstruation, it might affect the menstruation cycle. Using contraceptive like's pills; I.U.D. and condoms are safe tools to avoid unwanted pregnancy. The contraceptive injection is a good tool in avoiding unwanted pregnancy and it also prevent the risk of having cervical cancer.
The church is against the Reproductive Health Bill because they said that it contradicts the teachings of God. I thought that was only applicable before when there were only few people living on Earth, but now it's not appropriate to follow that teaching. When I saw poverty around me, I felt sad especially when I saw children at a very young age working, instead of going to school. Some children are forced, to work to augment their family daily income.
Furthermore, I am with the side of the people who agree in the Reproductive Health Bill, because I think that it can help many people especially the poor and those who are ignorant about the proper family planning method usage. Seminars can be held frequently in rural community and far places. Sufficient fund can help in buying contraceptives to be given to those who are in need. Population control can be monitored closely due to sufficient fund. Promotion of breast feeding among mothers can also be encouraged. Abortion can be minimize and lessen from the knowledge gained about Reproductive Health Bill.