November 14, 2008
l . We commend efforts to improve the quality of life of the Filipino people. 2. There is a need to address the present problems in reproductive health. We are all of the same intention in protecting the mother during her reproductive years. This bill, however does not address/answer these problems in a holistic manner. It focuses mainly on pregnancy prevention. It must consider the rights of others involved specifically the unborn and those tasked with their care.
2. The bill should be re-shaped into a fully comprehensive reproductive health bill after all the voices are heard.
3. We commend efforts to involve different sectors of society.
4. Sex education is an important part in the integral development of the child. The responsibility lies first with the parents. Their role should be stressed. It should also involve the school with teachers who should be educated. The absence of content regarding values in the way sex education is taught gives an impression that there is no universal value, human sexuality, not sex education, should be taught.
5. The program should provide information and definitions which are accurate and free of contradictions: the antiabortion stance of the bill is contradicted by the promotion of contraceptive agents (IUD and hormonal contraceptives) which actually act after fertilization and are potentially abortifacient agents.
6. Clinical decision-making cannot be mandated but must be left to the informed conscience of the health practitioner. (Refusing to refer patients to family planning services based on conscientious objection cannot be penalized) Human freedom is a universal right. Health professionals and educators should be free to conscientiously object without fear of penalty and sanction.
7. The family planning agenda should USE natural rather than artificial methods.
8. In the pursuit of the authentic common good, let us appreciate the obligation to ensure that no other aims or goals, no matter how pressing, obscure or overshadow our value of and respect for life and the dignities of person and family.
Approved by Members of the
Southeast Asian Center for Bioethics
UST FMS Department of Bioethics
Bioethics Society of the Philippines
Catholic Physicians’ Guild of the Philippines
Philippine Nurses Association
