Rh Bill Editorial
The Republic Act No.10354 or Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, better known to all as the "RH Bill", is probably one of the most controversial and most debated topic of 2012. After many years of bickering in the congress and among senators, which even lead to some tearful telenovela-like scenes as witnessed in senate proceedings, it was finally signed into a law by President Benigno Aquino III last December 21, 2012.
The law, which provides access to contraceptives as a family planning method, gives women especially those in poor households, a choice to better their lives, their children’s and the whole family as well. Although it was strongly opposed by the Catholic Church and by several groups spurred by deeply-held beliefs and values, it aims to primarily alleviate poverty in our country.
Now, women have access to more information about their reproductive health, thus giving them a choice to limit the number of children without having to resort to drastic measures such as abortion. It is empowerment for women while also allowing children their basic human rights. If we do not implement this now, the quality of life of the poor will steadily deteriorate. It is very evident in most slum areas that we find more children, most of them living in severe poverty and inhumane conditions. What future does our country hold if the future generation, the so-called “hope of our nation”, cannot even be properly fed and clothed, much more, educated well? It is as simple as that, yet it is a truth that sadly, some people fail or choose not to realize.
Christian Justin B. Streegan IV-Cafass Public Speaking Jan
The law, which provides access to contraceptives as a family planning method, gives women especially those in poor households, a choice to better their lives, their children’s and the whole family as well. Although it was strongly opposed by the Catholic Church and by several groups spurred by deeply-held beliefs and values, it aims to primarily alleviate poverty in our country.
Now, women have access to more information about their reproductive health, thus giving them a choice to limit the number of children without having to resort to drastic measures such as abortion. It is empowerment for women while also allowing children their basic human rights. If we do not implement this now, the quality of life of the poor will steadily deteriorate. It is very evident in most slum areas that we find more children, most of them living in severe poverty and inhumane conditions. What future does our country hold if the future generation, the so-called “hope of our nation”, cannot even be properly fed and clothed, much more, educated well? It is as simple as that, yet it is a truth that sadly, some people fail or choose not to realize.
Christian Justin B. Streegan IV-Cafass Public Speaking Jan