DOH gears up for RH law implementation

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) will start distributing free artificial contraceptives by the end of November in preparation for the implementation of the Reproductive Health (RH) law, Health Undersecretary Janette Garin said yesterday.

Garin said the RH law provides for the distribution of artificial contraceptives to those who will need them.

She said the DOH is just awaiting the release of the certification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be able to start the distribution.

The DOH will distribute artificial contraceptives certified by the FDA as non-abortifacient.

“When the certification comes out by November, we can go on a full campaign and implementation of the RH,” Garin said.

She said they have asked the FDA to prioritize the certification of contraceptives that will be supplied by the government through health centers.

Last April, the Supreme Court declared Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 constitutional. The high court ordered the FDA to determine whether a particular hormonal contraceptive or intrauterine device is safe and non-abortifacient.

Garin said not all artificial contraceptives that are being used in the country will be certified as non-abortifacient.

She said birth control pills and contraceptive implants are likely among the initial batch to get FDA certification.