The RH Bill: This Too Shall PASS

For 16 years, it has sat in the shadows of presidents and legislators, in the pews of old and new churches, in the cabinet files wiped clean and then covered again with dust. Outside, its recipients wait like birds desperate for a solution.

To us the general public, it is an old record waiting to be played. For the longest time, we waited to hear it on air, like a song that heals a miserable heart.

Image Courtesy of http://fineartamerica.com

The Reproductive Health Bill (RH Bill), a mirror on how real and sustainable progress seems to elude this country of potential, has lingered around far too long. Our hot-and-cold government has shoved it here and there, under a rug of thick dirt, hoping the hand that summons a wave of votes will not disapprove of it.

The world watches as Filipinos struggle to put the Bill to pass in the hope of curbing the country's already exploding population. Two million babies are born each year, majority to poor families. Beyond the utter condemnation of the Catholic Church, momentum is building up, close to becoming unstoppable, a feat of a country frantically struggling to ensure that in the years to come, it will have enough resources to support its numbers.

RH Bill, from one family who needed it

There are five siblings in my family, with one to three years of age spacing. Growing up, we lacked in resources, survived in hand-me-downs, went to school without money most of the time, lived through insecurities and material lack. I was the most malnourished of all five. 

Hoping to end having more babies because my father cannot support all of us, my mother summoned her courage and got a government-sponsored tubal ligation ALONE, without informing my father. 

I know I was meant to go through all these and have no regrets. With supportive parents, a good scholarship, career breaks, hard work, and intense prayers, life is much better now. 


But what about those who do not have access to these?

My 99% vote is for the RH Bill.

1% of disapproval goes to the free provision of contraceptives to single young men and women since I  agree with the Catholic Church that this may encourage experimental, casual, premarital sexual intercourse which can put them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, guilt, low self-esteem, and heart-break.

Let me be clear, I am 100% against abortion too - the actual killing of a child already formed inside the womb.

Child bearing, wonderful and painful


I gave birth through normal delivery. After nine months of carrying my child, there were eight full hours of enormous pain - my spine felt like splitting, my pelvis cracking in two. Even with two doctors and three nurses at my side, it is clear to me that at that indescribable moment, I have 50% chance of losing my life to bleeding, infections, or complications.

What about women or families who don't even have the means to get a pre-natal ultrasound and check-up, buy a pregnancy vitamin, or purchase a new baby blanket? 


To all mothers who are at risk of losing their life;
To children who have the right to education and nutrition and not lack;
To parents who would like to give their children the best care within their means; 
To families who have the right to determine the number of children they can support, they all have a choice, and that is to provide for a better life for their children. 

To sum up the long battle for this bill, check out Al Jazeera's extensive coverage with a debate from a panel of speakers from the Aquino Administration, The Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines, and Women Rights Activist Group. http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/101east/2011/03/20113161430684220.html

 


 What is your stand on the RH Bill?