Thursday, July 24, 2008 Speak out: For pro-quality life By Elmira Judy T. Aguilar, Rn Department of Sociology and Anthropology, USC
THE numbers say it all.
We have a bourgeoning population with people receiving less than the livable wage.
Thus, any measure that will help ease the worsening plight of Filipinos should be supported.
In this case, efforts to pass House Bill 4110, otherwise known as an “Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood and Population Development,” must be buttressed.
This bill is comprehensive because it covers important areas that consider the life cycle and rights-based approaches.
The bill is comprehensive because it encompasses ten vital elements which include: maternal and child health and nutrition; violence against women and children; family planning; male involvement in reproductive health; adolescent and youth health; education and counseling on sexuality and sexual health; prevention and management of reproductive tract infections; prevention and treatment of infertility and sexual dysfunctions; breast and reproductive tract cancers and other gynecological conditions; and prevention and management of abortion and its complications.
The way the bill is written is proof that it supports life and is meant to better the quality of life because it dares to embrace areas that have been grossly neglected in the past.
Problem areas that have not been discussed and given appropriate thought and yes, actions, because there are certain quarters in society that despite the glaring reality, still refuse to heed the calls of the time.
An intelligent, rational, comprehensive and practical discussion continues to be encouraged by advocates of the bill so people will be correctly informed and enlightened because after all, it concerns everyone.
Let us not only skew the discussion on “population control and contraceptive use” because at the very least, it is not that.
Rather, it is about population management and responsible parenthood at the minimum.
I’ve had more than enough of women violated; children neglected; adolescents impregnated; women and men infected with HIV-AIDS; and women undergoing abortion.
Enough of our sorry plight!
Let us take that brave stand because at the end of the day, it is not only about faith but it is also about the intelligent, informed and critical choices that the faithful make to enhance the quality of their lives and that of their families.
