Reproductive rights under GMA

While the Arroyo government remained preoccupied with the political debacle haunting its administration, healthcare, just like the rest of the social services that should be prioritized by the state, was seemingly swept aside.

Measures supposedly addressing healthcare were merely prolonging issues on accessibility, affordability and quality of services at times even exacerbating the dismal health situation.
Such as the case of the Reproductive Rights bill which remains pending at the House of Representatives in spite of its increasing popularity among the public. The bill battled strong lobbying from the religious Catholic sectors which aggressively launched anti-RH campaign around the nation.

Social Weather Stations (SWS) has released the results of a survey conducted in September and December 2008 and another survey polled in February of this year. The survey polls reveal that the 68 % of Filipinos believe that there must be a law mandating the government to distribute condoms, IUDs and pills. 64 % of Manila residents also favored the creation of the said law in spite of the existing contraceptive ban in Manila.

When asked about their position in the existence of a law that mandates for the teaching of family planning to the youth, SWS polls reflect that 76 % of Filipinos is in favor of a said law. In summary, the SWS polls reveal that 71 % of the Filipinos are in favor of the Reproductive health bill. In spite of increasing lobbying efforts of both the Catholic Church and the pro-RH advocates, the Arroyo administration continue
to provide safe and neutral positions regarding the said bill. In the State of the Nation Address in 2008, Pres. Arroyo preferred and encouraged applying natural family planning methods as a means of birth control by Filipino couples.

A similar survey was also conducted by Pulse Asia in October 2008. Their 2008 Ulat ng Bayan Survey showed that 63% of the Filipinos support the RH bill. In a statement made by Lorelei Fajardo, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Pres. Arroyo stands by her position on natural family planning but will consider the public opinion when both houses passes the bill to Malacañang for signing.

Another challenge to the respect for reproductive health came in the form of a nine-year contraceptive ban imposed by the former Manila Mayor Jose “Lito” Atienza to the residents of Manila.

The Executive Order No. 003 discouraged the use of artificial family planning methods which virtually bans the use of contraceptives. In the nine-year ban, women of Manila were reportedly having difficulties in availing contraceptives. An clinic formed and managed by a non-government organization was closed down for promoting artificial family planning. A case study published by Linangan ng Kababaihan (LIKHAAN) revealed that the said ban affected the relationship of couples, resulting to domestic violence.

The Arroyo administration’s perception in upholding the right to health seemingly from an identity crisis, uncertain of whether to protect the Filipinos’ right to health or to deliberately hurt the populace with legislations that are only protecting the rights of the privileged few.