Wazzup Pilipinas!
Enactment of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (RH Law) after more than a decade in the legislative mills was a hard-fought victory for RH advocates. With access to family planning (FP) services, Filipinos have regained the agency to build their families without compromising their physical as well as economic wellness. Mothers, in particular, have been empowered, as they now have the means to have planned and healthy pregnancies.
Optimism over the promise of RH law became stronger when the law was declared not unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Gearing for the law’s full implementation, government procured needed family planning supplies. However, opponents of the RH law, relentless in challenging its mandate, succeeded in having the Supreme Court release a TRO hindering the full implementation of family planning programs through restrictions in public procurement and distribution of select family planning supplies
6.1 million Filipinas are presently using contraceptives, and another 7.3 million have unmet needs for family planning. This TRO will then deprive 13.4 million Filipino women the means to avoid unplanned pregnancies, and, consequently, associated health risks. The TRO on family supplies places stringent legal impediments to the certification and ultimately, the dispensation of potentially-life saving FP supplies. Again, as the TRO remains in force, we will eventually face a situation where no FP supplies will be available in the market. All Filipinos, with no discrimination, will have no access to contraceptives – denying them of the right fundamental right to health.
To alert the general public on the urgency of this situation, and also, to gather RH advocates anew, the Purple Ribbon for RH Movement, is launching a signature campaign to urge the Supreme Court to lift the TRO on family planning supplies.
The launch of the signature campaign appealing favorable action by the Supreme Court on the existing ban on the procurement and distribution of family planning commodities will be held on 04 Nov 2016 (Friday), 10:00 AM – 12:00 NN at the Kamuning Bakery Café located at 43 Judge Jimenez St., Kamuning, Quezon City
Significant figures in the 12-year RH Law campaign and key officials from the executive agencies will be answering questions on the implications of the existing TRO on family planning supplies. Joining the panel are PLCPD Executive Director Mr. Rom Dongeto, PILAKK President Lina Bacalando, RPRH National Implementation Team (NIT) Chair Dr. Esperanza Cabral, and Commission on Population Executive Director Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III. Individuals representing groups identified as most affected should the TRO stay in force will be sharing their insights.
Fulfill the Promise of the RH Law, Lift the TRO!
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
