Rh Bill
A GUIDE TO ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL
This matrix has been prepared by a group of Catholics who feel that a systematic comparison of the arguments for and against the reproductive health (RH) bill may still serve some purpose at this juncture. It may help to bring the debate from the emotional temper which has characterized it thus far, to a more rational temper in which both sides attempt to comprehend each other’s perspectives. It is hoped that this presentation will allow each side to view the other’s argumentation as the legitimate offering of reasons in good faith which ought to characterize a democratic process of deliberation. Such a process must be valued equally by all who are committed to living together in a democracy, be they Catholic or non-Catholic, pro- or anti-contraception. Questions in the final column are provided to aid further reflection, with a view to clarifying positions and, perhaps, to building compromises that are morally and politically acceptable to both sides. Eleanor R. Dionisio
ISSUE
ANTI-RH BILL
PRO-RH BILL
QUESTIONS
I. LEGISLATION OF AN RH-BILL Necessity of RH Bill
1. Overpopulation 1. Overpopulation is not the problem. The problems are government corruption and the unequal distribution of wealth and resources. 1. Managing population growth is not the sole solution to poverty but is part of the solution. Are overpopulation and graft and corruption mutually exclusive issues? Or ought they to be addressed simultaneously?
2. Availability/Provision of RH information, resources and services
2. RH information and services are already available.
2.
Access to RH information and services is difficult for the poor. Local government officials can also prevent access through local legislation.
Is It legitimate for local government units unilaterally to enact laws that limit access to RH information and services in their localities?
3. Healthcare for mothers and children, especially
This matrix has been prepared by a group of Catholics who feel that a systematic comparison of the arguments for and against the reproductive health (RH) bill may still serve some purpose at this juncture. It may help to bring the debate from the emotional temper which has characterized it thus far, to a more rational temper in which both sides attempt to comprehend each other’s perspectives. It is hoped that this presentation will allow each side to view the other’s argumentation as the legitimate offering of reasons in good faith which ought to characterize a democratic process of deliberation. Such a process must be valued equally by all who are committed to living together in a democracy, be they Catholic or non-Catholic, pro- or anti-contraception. Questions in the final column are provided to aid further reflection, with a view to clarifying positions and, perhaps, to building compromises that are morally and politically acceptable to both sides. Eleanor R. Dionisio
ISSUE
ANTI-RH BILL
PRO-RH BILL
QUESTIONS
I. LEGISLATION OF AN RH-BILL Necessity of RH Bill
1. Overpopulation 1. Overpopulation is not the problem. The problems are government corruption and the unequal distribution of wealth and resources. 1. Managing population growth is not the sole solution to poverty but is part of the solution. Are overpopulation and graft and corruption mutually exclusive issues? Or ought they to be addressed simultaneously?
2. Availability/Provision of RH information, resources and services
2. RH information and services are already available.
2.
Access to RH information and services is difficult for the poor. Local government officials can also prevent access through local legislation.
Is It legitimate for local government units unilaterally to enact laws that limit access to RH information and services in their localities?
3. Healthcare for mothers and children, especially