It's time we pass a comprehensive bill about "other" family issues
It's grossly inaccurate to say we don't need the RH Bill because we do not have a population problem. Looking at the overwhelming gamut of statistics, we know that's not the case. Furthermore assuming, but not conceding such statement is actually true, the RH Bill goes beyond population management. It addresses family education, parental choices, access to better health facilities and women's health & empowerment - issues that have been ignored for far too long. We cannot afford to continuously look the other way and pretend these issues don't exist. If we are to move forward as a nation, it's time we address these realities and act on them.
Women must have a say on what happens to their bodies
Here's one harsh truth: rape happens even within marriage. Women (particularly among the urban poor) are being forced by their husbands to have sex out of "duty". How many unwanted pregnancies have resulted from such? Let's admit it, for a country who claims equality between men and women, women still have very little say on what goes on in a marriage, more so, with their bodies. Here's another harsh truth: 11 Filipinas die of childbirth every day due to poor health care. Women put their life at risk each time they get pregnant. This entitles them to have strong opinions on the matter, don't you think? Passing the RH Bill empowers her to have control over their body and to have a choice on planning their family. We belong to a society that have always honored mothers. Let's go past the lip service and pay them our highest respect by giving them a stronger voice. We owe them, at least, that.
RH Bill will not tear our moral and social fibers to shreds
I do not believe that RH Bill will lead the Philippines into a Sodom and Gomorrah lifestyle as others paint it to be. For one, the RH Bill will not inject a completely foreign concept. Condoms and pills are readily available in clinics, drugstores and hospitals. What the RH Bill simply does is make it accessible to the poor - to the people that need them the most. Secondly, RH Bill clearly distinguishes between contraception and abortion. The bill, itself, says that abortion is an act punishable by law. What it does push forward is the medical and psychological treatment for women post-abortion which I think is humane and necessary. Instead of treating these women as pariahs of society, why not help them through the ordeal? Thirdly, it's unfair to compare RH Bill to China's One Child Policy. RH Bill does not inhibit or limit the number of children a family ought to have. On the contrary, RH Bill respects and supports a family's choice. Should couples want a big family, the choice is theirs to make. In the same manner, should couples want a small family the choice is also theirs. It encourages, not discourages, a family's freedom. Lastly, I can't help but ask: if pillars of our country are doing such a good job in preserving the moral fibers of our society, we wouldn't be here, would we? Yet, here we are.
The separation of church and society must be upheld
It's easy for the church to rise to the pulpit and preach what is moral and not. After all that's their job. The same cannot be said for the state. The state is responsible for running a nation and in ensuring its people's well-being. It takes more than pedantry to do that. Difficult decisions have to be made. Tough shots have to be called. Not everyone will agree but the state has to do what will be good for the majority. After all, it does not kowtow to one sector. The state is accountable to all Filipinos.
On August 7, Congress will not only vote for the RH Bill's fate. Congress will vote on the future of women's health, the future of the Filipino family and the future of the Philippines as a nation and as a people. I can only hope they choose to do the right thing.
No comments:
Post a Comment