Immediate adoption of reproductive health policy urged

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged the government to immediately adopt a comprehensive reproductive health policy amid the rapidly growing population in the country.

“Protecting reproductive health and rights is fundamental to our collective future and sustainable development. Together, we can meet the needs of Filipino women, who want to plan and space their births but do not have access to modern contraception,” UNFPA Country Representative Ugochi Daniels said.

Daniels issued the statement in observance of the World Population Day today.

“With the right policies, investments and social support, young people can enjoy healthier lives free of poverty and enhance prospects for peace and stability,” Daniels said.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said the lack of access of the poor to family planning and reproductive health education and services worsens the poverty situation in the country. 

The Philippines is ranked 12th among the populous countries in the world.

“More than ever, a comprehensive national policy on population management has become crucial,” Garin, one of the authors of the controversial Reproductive Health bill, said.

“The Philippine population is estimated to be more than a hundred million this year and yet the government is not ready to provide the corresponding social services needed by the rapidly growing population,” Garin said.

“Population should not be a problem if resources are available to cope with the additional people requiring public services, employment, housing, education, etc. But in a country like ours, where the budget is already stretched and where poverty is high to begin with, population growth becomes a major issue,” she said.