Scientists back reproductive health bill

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino scientists yesterday joined other groups in supporting the reproductive health bill to promote responsible parenthood and help curb the high rate of population growth in the country.

In a statement, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) called on the government, business and civil society “to adopt a clear and non-coercive population management policy with a goal of zero population growth by year 2025” through responsible parenthood.

NAST, one of the advisory bodies of the Department of Science and Technology, had introduced a family life bill sponsored by former Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Rodolfo Agbayani.

“The NAST recognizes that women bear a disproportionate share of the burden in reproduction, child rearing, managing and producing family resources to meet everyday needs and aspirations for the future. Their health and welfare must be of paramount concern,” NAST said in supporting House Bill No. 16 or the Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood and Population Development Bill.

NAST said it strongly supports the main thrust of the House measure that enables couples and individuals “to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and to have the information and means to carry out their decisions.”

NAST also supports the provision to have every city and municipality employ an adequate number of midwives and other skilled birth attendants, and to have every province and city ensure the establishment of hospitals with adequate and qualified personnel that provide emergency obstetrics care.

Another provision NAST backs in the bill is for employers to respect the reproductive health rights of all their workers, that women shall not be discriminated against in the matter of hiring, regularization of employment status or selection for retirement and that employers shall provide free reproductive health services and commodities to workers – both unionized and unorganized.

“Besides protecting women’s health and their rights, lower fertility rates mean a higher proportion of young people entering their productive years with relatively fewer dependents to support. Coupled with supportive social and economic policies, the family can have increased savings and greater available resources to invest in each child,” NAST said.

President Arroyo and the Catholic Church have maintained their stand against modern family planning methods, particularly the use of artificial contraceptives.

NAST said both the Church and the government are responsible for providing an enabling environment and the means by which families can exercise totally informed choices.

“Otherwise, both should be held accountable for population and family life consequences that we as people neither need nor want owing to a ‘no policy’ in this regard,” it said.

Also, NAST said HB No. 16, if passed, will serve as an effective instrument of national policy. – Helen Flores