Abortion is illegal in the Philippines and is not permitted under any circumstance. The actis criminalized by the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, which was enacted in 1930 butremains in effect to day. Articles 256, 258 and 259 of the Code mandate imprisonment for thewoman who undergoes the abortion, as well as for any person who assists in the procedure, evenif they be the woman's parents, a physician or midwife. Article 258 further imposes a higher prison term on the woman or her parents if the abortion is undertaken "in order to conceal [thewoman's] dishonor" (Tan 2008 and Wikipedia 2008).The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines effectively any amendments to the Penal Code’s provisions on abortion because of Article II, Section 12, which states:
“The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as abasic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.
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