PHILIPPINES' REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL GAINING GROUND

2008-09-24 14:15:38 - MANILA. The controversial Reproductive Health bill authored by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman is gaining ground as more members of the House of Representatives pledged their support to the proposed measure.

By Lilybeth G. Ison

Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) secretary-general Elizabeth Angsioco, in a press conference on Tuesday, said at least 102 lawmakers have decided to co-author the bill, despite mounting criticisms from various sectors including the Catholic church.

MORE PHILIPPINES NEWS: www.balitapinoy.net

She said House Bill 5043 or "An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood and Population Development," is not merely aimed at curbing the country's population by allowing the use of contraceptive methods, but also seeks to alleviate the escalating cases of poverty caused by unplanned pregnancies.

The Catholic Church has expressed strong opposition to the passage of the bill that promotes the use of artificial contraceptives, which the clergy has found to be an "abortificient" or tantamount to abortion.

Lagman has called on fellow congressmen who oppose the Reproductive Health bill to open their minds and reject contrived criticisms, expose barefaced lies, refuse malicious innuendos, and resist menacing threats.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said her office received information that former President Fidel V. Ramos has vowed to play "a more active role" in supporting the proposed measure.

She said Mr. Ramos serves as a "moral booster" for the more than 100 lawmakers at the House who have expressed support to the controversial HB 5043.

Garin, a co-author of the proposed bill, said she knew the former president would support the RH bill, considering his stand on reproductive health during his term from 1992 to 1998.

Under his administration, Ramos had publicly promoted modern family planning methods, through the Department of Health (DoH), then headed by former Sen. Juan Flavier.

Garin said that several big businessmen have also promised to show up at the House of the Representatives in the following days to show their support.

Ramos and the group of businessmen were the latest addition to those who had publicly expressed support for the proposed measure, which included several women's groups and the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

HB 5043 is up for second reading at the Lower House.