MANILA,
Feb. 2, 2012–In a statement released Saturday, Gabriela party list
admitted that the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, pending in both
chambers of Congress, is neither pro-poor nor pro-women.
“The RH bill cannot be genuinely pro-poor and pro-women for as long
as it espouses population control, which blames poverty on women’s
bodies, fertility and population” Gabriela stated in its Facebook page.
as it espouses population control, which blames poverty on women’s
bodies, fertility and population” Gabriela stated in its Facebook page.
This development took place after renewed interest in dialogues
surfaced following Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle expressed his
personal view that he is open to the he is open to the possibility of
discussing RH with government representatives as long as a true spirit
of dialogue will guide the discussions.
surfaced following Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle expressed his
personal view that he is open to the he is open to the possibility of
discussing RH with government representatives as long as a true spirit
of dialogue will guide the discussions.
“Ako naman, ito personal [opinion] ko na ito, not CBCP. Kung may opportunities pa for study and dialogue, sana nga matuloy pa.”
Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan expressed interest
particularly in the issue of maternal deaths stating, “The DOH reports
50 maternal deaths were recorded in Metro Manila in January alone. This
prompts us to resume deliberations and pass the RH bill without delay.”
particularly in the issue of maternal deaths stating, “The DOH reports
50 maternal deaths were recorded in Metro Manila in January alone. This
prompts us to resume deliberations and pass the RH bill without delay.”
However, this is in stark contrast to ‘11 maternal deaths per day’ which was the basis of RH advocates’ call to push the bill to address maternal deaths.
According to Ilagan, “the population control provision defeats the
objective of creating a health-based, rights-based RH policy.”
objective of creating a health-based, rights-based RH policy.”
The solon further expressed the urgent need to address maternal health care.
“Women, especially those in poor, far-flung
communities need access to reproductive health care services ranging
form maternal care, pre-natal care and post-natal care as well as
menopausal care that go beyond the distribution of contraceptives and
population control mechanisms.” (CBCP for Life)
communities need access to reproductive health care services ranging
form maternal care, pre-natal care and post-natal care as well as
menopausal care that go beyond the distribution of contraceptives and
population control mechanisms.” (CBCP for Life)
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