I voice because I care for my country.

Reproductive Health Bill or RH Bill has been extremely controversial in the Philippines now. You would see it on TV, hear it on radio, and read it on newspapers/magazines. Many support it and many criticize it as well. For those readers who have no idea about RH Bill, go to http://en.wikipedia.org, search and read.

Several debates about this bill were conducted. The anti-RH Bill and pro-RH bill, both have their judicious  explanation. However, nobody wins. It is absolutely a ceaseless argument. I may compare it to religion issue (which religion tells the truth and the like), mostly the church and Christian groups are also involved here.

If you would ask me, in which party do I belong; Anti or Con? I am in favor of RH Bill. I may not know every detail about it nor do I have idea about its content. But through my little knowledge, I can say that RH Bill will not be a problem yet it will be a great help for our country. I only have one simple reason... RH Bill is not mandatory. At first, it is really hard to decide which side would you go, especially if you would consider religious beliefs. But at the end, I realized that I can go along with it without being a sinner.

Some antagonists think that RH Bill is purely about sex and contraceptives. It is definitely not! (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproductive_Health_bill) The proponents state that RH will mean:

1.) Information and access to natural and modern family planning

2.) Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition

3.) Promotion of breast feeding

4.) Prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications

5.) Adolescent and youth health

6.) Prevention and management of reproductive tract infections, HIV/AIDS and STDs

7.) Elimination of violence against women

8.) Counseling on sexuality and sexual and reproductive health

9.) Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers

10.) Male involvement and participation in RH

11.) Prevention and treatment of infertility

12.) RH education for the youth.

RH Bill includes family planning where a couple can anticipate and achieve the number of children they want with right timing and spacing of their birth. Yes, it includes contraceptives like condoms, pills, diagrams, etc. which are not approved by the church. But it doesn't force everyone to use one. These contraceptives are already being sold in public and RH Bill is here to tell us when and where is the right time to use them and what are the effects. If a couple still wants to limit having children and doesn't want to break God's law at the same time as they believe sperm itself is a life, then abstinence can be done which is morally accepted.

Yesterday, I had an argument with an anti-RH Bill. He made reasonable explanation for being one. He said "RH bill will be a clear representation of addiction to sex. SEX must be done by married couples for the reason of having a child. Married couples don't have the free will to have sex without a justifiable reason, otherwise, it is just out of LUST." He got a point. Sex is for MARRIED COUPLES ONLY and RH Bill will never tell us that "UNMARRIED COUPLES CAN HAVE SEX". And I totally disagree as he said that this bill will just represent an addiction to sex. RH Bill gives us an education which includes the importance of sex, its effects, people who can do it and who cannot, and with whom.

He added "If you will look at it, THOSE lustful people will take advantage of it. Another, it's our sinful nature. our body is sinful." He, himself, admitted that our body is sinful. Hence, the more we need RH Bill in our life then because it tells us the consequences, once we did not control our sinful body.

I just wanna give clarification to everyone that there is much more to learn about RH Bill. It doesn't just revolve around sex and contraceptives. Read the 12 implications above over and over. So for me it is merely a guide for everyone; a guide which advises us the right thing to do in order to have a quality life. And what makes me like it more is the fact that it will not require everyone to follow their advices, like using contraceptives. It is still up to a person in the end. We won't put in jail if we do or do not engage ourselves in family planning. It is still our choice. RH Bill will just be here to educate and guide us.

P.S.

I support RH Bill not because I am a liberated person. I was well brought up by my parents (my mom is a Catholic and my dad is a Muslim). I stand up for this bill because I think it is the best for the Filipinos, especially our country is experiencing a lot of ordeal. Everyone has his own view regarding this issue. This is my persuasion. I respect yours and please respect mine.

We may have different point of view but what is important is that we voice because we care for our country. So let us all hope for the best! Thanks for reading. =)