Deecee+Diego+on+RH+Bill

For the purpose of explaining my stand, I would quote part of the text of the actual Republic Health Bill 5043. The quote will be supported by the insights that I received through a talk sponsored by Alyansang Tapat sa Lasalista and CONIC last November. The insights that I received from the talk will be that of Dr. Melgar, a doctor who advocates the community based maternal healthcare and a member of a feminine organization.

I would only like to discuss the side of the pro RH bill because I would like to convince readers as to why RH bill should be supported. This post is not meant to inform readers as to the advantages or disadvantage of both sides.

Section 2, Paragraph 3 of the bill states that:

//The State likewise guarantees universal access to medically-safe, legal, affordable and quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies and relevant information thereon even as it prioritizes the needs of women and children,among other underprivileged sectors. //

-The republic health bill aims for the improvement of reproductive healthcare services in the country especially the needs of **women, children and underprivileged sectors.**

Section 3, Letter M of the bill states that:

//While nothing in this Act changes the law on abortion, as abortion remains a crime and is punishable, the government shall ensure that women seeking care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner. //

- The republic health bill **does not support or even legalize abortion** in the Philippines.

Section 5, Letter A states that

//To create an enabling environment for women and couples to make an informed choice regarding the family planning method that is best suited to their needs and personal convictions; //

- The choice of **contraceptives as a mean of family planning is not mandate**d by the Government. The bill helps the people to have an informed choice to what family planning method that would best fit their lifestyle. The bill will further state later that citizens should not be given false information.

Section 16 of the bill states that:

//The State shall assist couples, parents and individuals to achieve their desired family size within the context of responsible parenthood for sustainable development and encourage them to have two children as the ideal family size. Attaining the ideal family size is neither mandatory nor compulsory. No punitive action shall be imposed on parents having more than two children. //

- The bill did not declare an exact number of population to maintain, it clearly states that t**he family is still in control of the desired family size.**

Section 21, Letter A of the bill states that:

//3) Refuse to provide reproductive health care services to an abused minor, whose abused condition is certified by the proper official or personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or to duly DSWD-certified abused pregnant minor on whose case no parental consent is necessary. //

//5) Refuse to extend reproductive health care services and information on account of the patient’s civil status, gender or sexual orientation, age, religion, personal circumstances, and nature of work; // Provided //, That all conscientious objections of health care service providers based on religious grounds shall be respected:// Provided, further //, That the conscientious objector shall immediately refer the person seeking such care and services to another health care service provider within the same facility or one which is conveniently accessible:// Provided, finally //, That the patient is not in an emergency or serious case as defined in RA 8344 penalizing the refusal of hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency and serious cases.//

- The bill aims equality among the patients through **disregarding any discriminatory areas** such as religion, sexual orientation and personal circumstances. The bill states that **one should not be deprived of cure** because of any discriminatory concern.

A full copy of House BIll 5043 - []