1. What is your opinion about the practice of family planning? Are you for it or against it?
2. Are you in favor of the Reproductive Health Law and its provisions? Elaborate your answer.
1. Family planning is typically described as the ability of individuals or families to decide and plan their desired number of children - also respecting their choice to not have children - as well as the spacing and timing of their births through means and methods such as contraceptives or treating infertility. This generally agreed-upon definition and its practice emphasizes an individual or couple's right to self-determination and autonomy by granting them an informed choice. I am for the practice of family planning not only for my personal belief that its practice is a right and choice by individuals or couples, but in respect as well to the rights of patients to be informed and provided accessible means for safe, and cost-effective practice of it as a healthcare provider.
2. The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 mandates the provision of universal access to modern contraceptive methods that are safe, effective, and affordable. In addition to this, the law also mandates the provision of relevant services on health education, particularly on reproductive health and maternal care, women's rights to post-abortion care, and family planning. Though I acknowledge how it was initially met with much controversy during time leading to its legislation due to a number of reasons - from moral to logistical - I am in favor of the law as it stands and its provisions. It is important to recognize and acknowledge that the law provides individuals with accessible resources for their reproductive health needs should they see the need for them as well as providing relevant knowledge through the provision of health teaching services and education on reproductive health. In this regard, it still respects the self-determination, autonomy, and beliefs of those who choose not to avail its services while giving the option to those who do. Additionally, this law was founded on and in recognition of the United Nation's Reproductive Rights while also acknowledging the country's population problem as factor in its long-term economic plans and developments. This not only supports the need for the law in the context of the patient's rights in healthcare, but also recognizes its necessity in public health thus further strengthening the argument for it.