Defini t ion of Terms
Legi s la tion - the preparing and enacting of laws by local , state, or
national legislatures
Legislator - a person who makes laws; a member of a legislative body
CBCP - Catholic Bishops ' Conference of the Philippines
Mon s igno r - a title bestowed on a priest who has distinguished himself by
exceptional service to the church.
Abo rt ifacien t - An abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion.
Constitutional - relating to an established set of principles governing a
state.
Unconstitutional - not allowed by the constitution of a country or
government : not constitutional. an unconstitutional infringement of
rights
Bill "Reproductive Health Bill"
Republic Act no. 10354
Also known as "The Responsible Parenthood
and Reproductive Health Act of 2012"
A law that focuses on reproductive health,
famil y planning , and related matters.
It is aimed at promoting r e sp on s ible parenthood, ensuring
access to contraception and maternal care
s e rv ice s, and providing comprehensive sex education.
The RH Bill , now Republic Act No. 10354, was highly controversial in
the Philippines, mainly due to strong opposition from the
Catholic Church,
which holds significant influence in the country. The Church's
teachings oppose artificial contraception methods , and this
opposition led to intense debates and conflicts surrounding the
legislation.
Thought Despite the controversy, the law remains in effect ,
reflecting the government's efforts to address critical reproductive
health and family planning issues in the country.
The Catholic opposition to the RH bill is
based on the 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae
issued by Pope Paul 6. The Latin title literally
means " Of Human Life ," but it is more
popularly translated as " On the Regulation of
Birth."
In 2012, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the RH Bill into law. But it
Batangas Archbishop Ramon Arguelles stated that while a 20-
still faced various challenges from religious groups, who filed petitions
year-old gunman killed 20 children in the US, President Aquino
arguing that the law was unconstitutional.
would be killing millions of children with a stroke of a pen if he
The Supreme Court then reviewed the law and in April 8, 2014 they have
signs the RH bill into law.
declared the RH Law as constitutional.
These
CBCP secretaryand
individuals organizations
general Monsignor with other
, alongJoselito said thatand
legislators
Asis
pushing, worked
advocates passage oftothe
for thecollectively promote pass
andat
measure the RH
a time whenBill ,
which eventually became the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive
Catholics celebrate the birth of the Savior is a funny thing.
Health Act of 2012. It is essential to recognize that the bill had support
from a broader spectrum of society,
The Monsignor said that the best way to beat the measure is
including healthcare professionals, women ' s rights activists, and those
still through prayers. Church leaders believe that the RH bill
advocating for improved access to reproductive health services in the
would only promote the use of abortifacient drugs.
Philippines.
In 2012, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the RH Bill into law. But it
still faced various challenges from religious groups, who filed petitions
arguing that the law was unconstitutional.
He also believed that the Christmas season would be a good
The Supreme Court then reviewed the law and in April 8, 2014 they have
time for Filipinos to reflect on the life of Jesus
declared the RH Law as constitutional. Christ , who
came to this world to give the true meaning of “ life. ”
These individuals and organizations, along with other legislators and
advocates , worked collectively to promote and pass the RH Bill ,
which eventually became the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive
pastoral statement titled “Contraception is Corruption”
Health Act of 2012. It is essential to recognize that the bill had support
penned by CBCP vice president Lingayen - Dagupan
from a broader spectrum of society,
Archbishop Socrates Villegas.
including healthcare professionals, women ' s rights activists, and those
advocating for improved access to reproductive health services in the
Philippines.
Former Senator Edgardo Angara: Senator Angara played a
significant role in advocating for the RH Bill in the Philippine
Senate.
Former Senator Pia Cayetano: Senator Cayetano was another
prominent legislator who actively supported and championed the RH
Bill in the Senate.
Numerous women ' s and health advocacy groups, non - governmental
organizations, and civil society organizations actively supported
the RH Bill and played a significant role in its promotion.
In 2012, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the RH Bill into law. But it
still faced various challenges from religious groups, who filed petitions
arguing that the law was unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court then reviewed the law and in April 8, 2014 they have
declared the RH Law as constitutional.
These individuals and organizations, along with other legislators and
advocates , worked collectively to promote and pass the RH Bill ,
which eventually became the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health
Act of 2012. It is essential to recognize that the bill had support from a broader
spectrum of society,
including healthcare professionals, women ' s rights activists, and those
advocating for improved access to reproductive health services in the
Philippines.
In 2012,The law still
President had toS.overcome
Benigno Aquino III signed
legal the RH
battles forBill
fourinto
more
law. But it
yearsvarious
still faced (2013 to 2017)—from
challenges from religious
overcoming , who filed
challenges
groups the
on petitions
arguing that of
constitutionality thetemporary
law was unconstitutional.
restraining orders on
The Supreme Court then reviewed
contraception the lawwho
use—to those andwere
in April 8, 2014
opposed to they have
declared the RH
implementing rules
itsLaw asand regulations.
constitutional.
These individuals and organizations, along with other legislators and
advocates , worked collectively to promote and pass the RH Bill ,
which eventually became the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive
Health Act of 2012. It is essential to recognize that the bill had support
from a broader spectrum of society,
including healthcare professionals, women ' s rights activists, and those
advocating for improved access to reproductive health services in the
Philippines.
1)Section 7, only insofar as it: (a) requires private health facilities , non -
In 2012, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the RH Bill into law. But it
maternity specialty hospitals, and hospitals owned by religious groups to refer
still faced various challenges from religious groups, who filed petitions
patients not in an emergency or life - threatening situation to another health facility
arguing that the law was unconstitutional.
which is conveniently accessible (b) provides access to family planning and RH
The Supreme Court then reviewed the law and in April 8, 2014 they have
services to minors who have been pregnant or had a miscarriage without a parental
declared the RH Law as constitutional.
consent.
2) These 23 - A - 1, which
Sectionindividuals punishes RH providers , regardless of their
and organizations, along with other legislators and religious
who fail or
belief ,advocates refuse to dissiminate information regarding RH
, worked collectively to promote and pass the RH Bill , services and
programs
which eventually became the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive
3) Health 23 -of
SectionAct A-2 - i , which allows a married individual not in a life -
2012. It is essential to recognize that the bill had support threatening
case to access RH procedures without the consent of the spouse
from a broader spectrum of society,
4)Section 23 - A - 3, insofar as it punishes an RH provider who fails to refer any
including healthcare professionals, women ' s rights activists, and those
non - life - threatening case to another RH provider
advocating for improved access to reproductive health services in the
5)Section 23 - B, insofar as it punishes any public officer who refuses to support
Philippines.
RH programs
6)Section 17, which mandates a 40-hour pro bono service by private and
In 2012, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the RH Bill into law. But it
nongovernment RH service providers, including gynecologists and
still faced various challenges from religious groups, who filed petitions
obstetricians, as a prerequisite for PhilHealth accreditation
arguing that the law was unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court then reviewed the law and in April 8, 2014 they have
7) Section 3.01-A and J of the RH law Implementing Rules and Regulations
declared the RH Law as constitutional.
(IRR), which defines abortifacients as “primarily” inducing abortion instead of
simply inducing abortion
These individuals and organizations, along with other legislators and
advocates, worked collectively to promote and pass the RH Bill ,
8)Section
which 23 - A - 2 became
eventually - ii, which
theprohibits RH service
Responsible providers
Parenthood from refusing to
and Reproductive
perform legal
Health Actand 2012. It -is
ofmedically safe reproductive
essential health procedures
to recognize that the billon minors
had in non -
support
life - threatening situations
from a broader without
spectrum ofparental
society,consent
including healthcare professionals, women ' s rights activists, and those
advocating for improved access to reproductive health services in the
Philippines.
In 2012, President Benigno S. REFERENCE
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The Supreme Court then reviewed the law and in April 8, 2014 they have
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