An essay

Are you Anti or Pro RHBill in the Philippines?

The latest issue now for the experts, academics, religious institutions, and major political figure is the
issue of Reproductive Health Bill or RHBill. There are many proponents and opponents who argued
about this issue. Both have different beliefs, ideas, and positive and negative reactions regarding the
RHBill issue. What is it that there are opponents and proponents of RHBill? And what is this RHBill all
about. RHBill is become the center of a contentious national debate. There are presently two bills with
the same goals regarding this bill. House Bill No. 4244 or an Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on
Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development, and for other purposes
introduced by Albay 1st district Representative Edcel Lagman, and Senate Bill No. 2378 or an Act
Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and development introduced by
Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Reproductive Health Care state of complete physical, mental, and
social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity in all matters relating to the
reproductive system and to its functions and process. This implies tht people are able to have a satisfy
and safe sex life, that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if when and how
often to do so, provided that these are not against the law. It implies that that woman and men attain
equal relationships in matters related to sexual relations and reproduction.

This bill is opposed by Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines or CBCP and other experts because
of the studies in scientific journals and organizations that ordinary birth control pill and the IUD are
abortifacient to fertilized eggs; they kill young human embryos, who as such are human beings equally
worthy of respect, making the bill unconstitutional. George Akerlof and US National Defense Consultant,
Lionel Tiger have shown empirical evidence that contraceptives have deleterious social effects (abortion,
premarital sex, female impoverishment, fatherless children, teenage pregnancies, and poverty). Harvard
Director Edward Green concluded that the “best studies” show that more condoms promote the spread
of AIDS. Combined estrogen-progestogen oral contraceptive is carcinogenic and confers other
serious health risk.

When I read about the Reproductive Health Bill issue, I make some analyzation between the side of
proponents and the side of opponents of RH Bill. That’s why it is hard for me to decide whether I will
become a pro or anti RHBill. Finally, I decided to support the RHBill. Why? Because I observe that the
number one problem of our country today is the “poverty”. And I believe that the cause of poverty in
our country is the number of populations we have today. Our population continues to increase every
year and if this continues what will happen to our country? We can observe that there are many
paupers in the street, some of them become addicts, some of them become criminals, that’s why
criminal rate continues to increase, especially in the city. How many citizens live in the squatters area,
who suffer and they do anything (good or bad) in order to provide their needs especially their foods
every day?How many teenagers, who become mother and father at early age because of unwanted
pregnancy? How many adolescents become prostitutes in clubs to gain more money to provide their
basic needs? I think all problems that I’ve mentioned above are the reasons why RHBill must be passed
in the senate hearing. Most teenagers become an early parent at the age of 12-18. We all know that
most of them didn’t reach secondary or teriary education, this is one reason why they produce many
children, because they don’t have enough knowledge about family planning and the use of
contraceptives. Some parents believe in old saying that “the more, the merrier” but then today we must
be practical enough, 2 child are enough in order to provide them better education, good health and
nutrition and become a productive citizen of the country. I think Department of Health (DOH) will not
promote contraceptives if it is deleterious to use. Smaller families and wider birth intervals could allow
families to provide the needs of their children.

RHBill is the answer in the situation of our country today. We must have a wide and deep understanding
to accept RHBill. We must think that if this situation continue to happen, how many mouth will be suffer
from hunger and poverty? If the population continue to increase what will happen to the next
generation? Do not inherit the poverty to our future children, don’t make them suffer, give them a
better life and a better future through family planning.