1. What is your opinion about the practice of family planning? Are you for it or against it?
In recent years, the Philippines has had a growing problem with population control due to its rapid growth. Often, families without an adequate source of living and those in the lower classes have little to no proper knowledge on family planning, so the population in slum areas continues to grow at a faster rate than the rest of the areas in the country. Use of family planning methods is not simply a responsibility of the underprivileged, rather it is the responsibility of all people planning to start a family. Family planning does not only account for the number of children a couple must have. It also tackles topics on the use of contraceptives, birth spacing, responsible parenthood, and respect for life among others.
There are several benefits that entail family planning which proves its effectiveness in addressing several social issues. First, it is beneficial on the part of the mother because as previously mentioned, family planning includes birth spacing. Through this, a woman will have enough time to regain her strength and health before giving birth once again if applicable. This interval allows for recovery that will result in the reduction of the likelihood of complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Next, it also gives time and opportunity for the mother to focus on her spouse and her current children. Since there is enough spacing between the birth of children or perhaps there are only a few children in the family, sufficient attention can be provided to the members of the family, and their needs are met more effectively as resources are adequate. In addition to this, planned parenthood also allows the couple to still have time for their personal needs and advancements since they have sufficient time which does not have to be dedicated to their children solely. Moreover, it also benefits the children as healthy mothers produce healthy children such that if a mother is healthy, she can provide for the needs of her children. Finally, family planning reduces the burden for the parents as it ensures that the resources of the family and the support that can be provided by the parents are sufficient for the family.
Overall, I duly agree with the need to observe family planning, especially in a country where access to resources can be limited. Family planning is beneficial in many ways, but in my perspective, it allows for the proper planning of the future of the next generations so that they may not suffer and are assured that their basic needs are met. While family planning is indeed advantageous for the couple, I believe that their child or children will benefit more in the long run. In conclusion, family planning is important.
2. Are you in favor of the Reproductive Health Law and its provisions? Elaborate your answer.
The RH Law or also known as The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 “guarantees universal and free access to nearly all modern contraceptives for all citizens, including impoverished communities, at government health centers”. Solely from this provision, the law already guarantees more access to family planning methods which is beneficial in addressing the growing problem of population control and relevant social issues such as poverty and maternal mortality. Additionally, the Reproductive Health Law also allows for more accessible maternal health services as women also become entitled to professional and appropriately trained birth attendants as well as appropriate birth facilities for their delivery. Thus, it also addresses issues on maternal health and maternal and neonatal mortality due to lack of access to services and facilities. Perhaps the more controversial aspect of the RH Law, especially from the perspective of the general public is the provision of reproductive health and sexual education for the youth. Since the Philippines is a dominantly conservative country, such topics are considered taboo and believed to be an encouragement for the youth to engage in sexual acts. On the contrary, the law’s provision on the matter will actually help address the alarming rise in teenage pregnancies in the country. If they have proper education and have access to appropriate resources, teenage pregnancy is less likely to occur as unwanted pregnancies are prevented. In general, I believe that RH Law is a great addition to our country’s effort of making family planning more accessible and ensuring that the Filipino people become more responsible about parenthood and having families.
References:
Center for Reproductive Rights. (2014). Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Historic Reproductive Health Law. https://reproductiverights.org/philippine-supreme-court-upholds-historic-reproductive-health-law/#:~:text=The%20Responsible%20Parenthood%20and%20Reproductive,communities%2C%20at%20government%20health%20centers.
Department of Health. (2021). What are the benefits of using family planning?. https://doh.gov.ph/faqs/What-are-the-benefits-of-using-family-planning
Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundations Inc. (2013). A Primer on the Reproductive Health Law. https://www.plcpd.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/A-primer-on-the-Reproductive-Health-Law.pdf