Laws Governing the Practice of Family Planning in the Philippines
What is your opinion about the practice of family planning? Are you for it or against it?
With the increasing number of unintended pregnancies in the country, I agree with the practice of family planning. I believe its proper and widespread implementation in the Philippines will help improve the quality of life of every family. Besides the protection from pregnancy complications before, during, or after childbirth, family planning alleviates the emotional and financial burden of an unplanned pregnancy on the family. With this, couples can be more financially-secured and psychologically ready to care for a newborn and maintain a healthy family. Furthermore, contraceptives such as condoms can help sexually active and unmarried women prevent sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, AIDS, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. It will also decrease the number of adolescent or teenage pregnancies in the country since they will be knowledgeable about contraception and pregnancy.
Are you in favor of the Reproductive Health Law and its provisions? Elaborate your answer.
On January 9, 2017, the Republic Act 10354, also known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 or the RH Law, was finally implemented after long years of being on hold due to criticisms from religious groups. Reading the law and its provisions, I am in favor of implementing the RH law. I believe it is time to move forward and address various reproductive issues our country faces. These include the increasing trends of HIV infections and unintended pregnancies.
One of the RH law provisions is universal access to information and services on reproductive health and family planning. It aims to provide "full, age- and development-appropriate information on responsible parenthood and reproductive healthcare to all clients, regardless of age, sex, disability, marital status, or background" (The Official Gazette, 2013). It promotes the use of modern contraceptives such as pills, implants, and condoms to married and unmarried women in order to prevent unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. It also promotes safe sex among HIV high risk individuals in the Philippines, including the youth, female sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender individuals.
Reference:
The Official Gazette.(2013). Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10354. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/03/18/implementing-rules-and-regulations-of-republic-act-no-10354/