Mary Pauline C. Hilado Feb.1, 2014

1-S Human Rights

FOR THE MULTITUDES

The Philippines is a developing country in Southeast Asia with a population estimate of close to 99 million people, 1.6 million of which live below the poverty line. The issue of a ballooning population directly proportional to maternal deaths is not recent but is nevertheless pressing as females comprise a large percentage of the population. Statistics show that families from the marginalized sector have a larger family size, and that they have more children than they planned to have. These women have greater risks during pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, they do not have access to contraceptives and effective maternal healthcare.

One of the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations is to improve universal maternal health, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides in Article 25 that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services…” (paragraph 1) as well as “motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance…” (paragraph 2). In our Constitution, it is stated in Article 2 Section 12 that “…It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn child from conception…” and in Section 15 of the same article, “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people…”. Article 8 Section 11 further asserts the right to health of Filipino citizens.

Given the situation in our country, it is apparent that the right to healthcare, as well as the right to life, is not given much attention and importance. Some of our legislators have taken initiative and championed for these rights, which was enacted through the Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012- a way in my opinion which would address the issue on health and life. It took 14 years in order for this bill to be passed, legislation that aims to provide access to proper maternal (and child) healthcare, promote awareness and aid in family planning. However, RA 10354 was challenged by the Catholic Church and other pro-life activists, and thus the argument boiled on the question “when does life begin” to dawdle the implementation of the law. Later, the Supreme Court indefinitely suspended its implementation.

I believe that with the suspension of RA 10354, the rights of women and children, particularly on healthcare and life, are once again put into jeopardy. In order to address these rights, my suggestion would be to review the law and lift the suspension so that more lives could be saved and care and assistance would be given to those who need it. Though I may be a Catholic, I am a staunch advocate of this law. I respect the contentions of those against the implementation of this law, but I think that we should prioritize those in need of help through this bill. We cannot just ignore the rights of others because of our own beliefs.