Betrayal of public trust

In this raging debate on population management particularly about HB 3773 and the ligtas buntis program, both sides cite contradictory facts and figures supporting their arguments pro or con. But whichever facts and figures are correct, the truth is that even if HB 3773 is passed and the ligtas buntis program is carried out to the hilt, there is no assurance that our economy will improve for the simple reason that corruption still abounds, governance remains below par, social injustice continues unabated and political leaders have not mended their self-seeking ways. Singapore, Thailand and neighboring countries which adopted population control programs experienced economic boom because they have less corruption, good governance and political and business leaders more concerned about the common good rather than vested interests. In fact these countries are now realizing that it was not after all the population control program which propelled their progress such that in an ironic twist of fate Singapore is now even encouraging instead of controlling births.

Another undisputed truth is that the artificial methods of family planning made accessible by the proposed bill and by the on-going ligtas buntis program have ill effects and damaging consequences on the health of their users. The proponents and supporters of the population management programs cannot deny the medical findings that those who have used these contraceptives have suffered various ailments exposing them and their children to serious bodily and emotional risks. The developer of the contraceptive pill himself had found its adverse effect on virtually every organ system of the human body as it interfered with the normal functioning of the woman’s vitally important reproductive system. Documented cases show that infants whose mothers had histories of contraceptive use had been afflicted with congenital heart disease. The use of other pill formulations has been proven to cause the lowering of the bodily resistance to infection, hepatic adenoma that could cause death through abdominal bleeding, nervousness and excessive irritability. IUD has been proven to cause leukemia, pelvic infection, uterine perforation, ectoptic pregnancy and therapeutic abortion. Depoprovera injectibles have caused bone cancer and congenital malformation of babies if they fail, so they are already banned in the USA. Tubal ligation causes severe bleeding, pelvic infection and extoptic pregnancy. Vasectomy may result in hemorrhage and infections, greater risks of thyroid disorders, diabetes and heart and circulatory diseases.

These harmful methods are being made accessible to our people on the pretext that they are informed of the consequences any way so they are free to choose or reject them as they practice responsible parenthood based on well informed choices. The flaw in this line of reasoning is obvious. It is like telling the people of the harmful consequences of dangerous drugs but still allowing their use since they are well informed of the consequences of their choice anyway. It is exposing the people to serious health risks that our public officials have a duty to prevent and is therefore the height of irresponsibility. It is betrayal of public trust.

Another betrayal of public trust is the peddling of the falsehood that the use of contraceptives prevents unwanted pregnancies and promotes reproductive health; that it promotes safe sex. There is an element of deceit here. Studies conducted in other countries have already confirmed that the percentage of contraceptive failure is quite high. Even the more popularly acclaimed condom effectiveness is turning out to be a myth as "available scientific evidence indicates that the condom reduces the risk of AIDS/HIV by 85 percent only and that there is no evidence that condom use reduces the risk of HPV (Human papillomavirus) which is an STD associated with cervical cancer that kills many more women in the US than HIV (Workshop Summary US National Institutes of Health). Thailand which promotes condoms more actively has 750,000 cases of HIV/AIDS inspite of its smaller population than the Philippines which has only 1,935 cases. Besides, it is well documented that 15 out of 100 women still became pregnant inspite of condom use.

Another falsehood is the suggestion that sex education in schools will protect the youth so they can eliminate the risks of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. To be sure, it may even increase the risk because of an apparent lack of qualified teachers on the subject. Countries with classroom based sex-education end up with greater number of sexually active children and adolescents, pregnancies, abortions and STDs. Our favorite model is the US again where, because of the dire effects of this sex education, a movement was launched among the teen-agers known as "Love Can Wait" which promotes premarital abstinence.

The reality therefore that must not be buried in this heated debate on population control is that there is no means or method that can totally eliminate the risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases except abstinence. All others are ineffective means catering only to the sexual appetites and selfish urges of individuals. So those promoting the bill and carrying out the ligtas buntis program by peddling the falsehood on the effectiveness of artificial contraception clearly betray the public trust.

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