Time Running Out for Philippines Reproductive Health Bill
A video news report at youtube.com/unfpaasia shows what is at stake in the debate over a law aiming to strengthen reproductive health services in the Philippines, where over half of all pregnancies are unintended. Congressional leaders say the bill will not be considered in the final two weeks of the current legislative session, which resumed January 18. Rep. Edcel Lagman, lead author, has threatened to block action on other priorities if the bill is not debated.
Time is running out for a proposed law supporting reproductive health services in the Philippines. Congressional leaders say it will not be considered in the final two weeks of the current legislative session, which resumes on January 18.
More than half of all pregnancies in the Philippines are unintended. The bill aims to increase access to family planning as well as to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care. The Catholic Church opposes the measure.
Backers vow to fight on. Rep. Edcel Lagman, lead author of House Bill 5043 on Reproductive Health and Population Development, has threatened to block action on other priorities if it is not debated.
Rep. Lagman and others explain their support for the reproductive health bill in a video news report available at youtube.com/unfpaasia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7uDa6CHZV0
For more information contact William A. Ryan, [email protected].