Pro-RH Network Launched in Cebu

Cebu residents are for reproductive health (RH), unlike what opponents of the cause say. This was the message of the newly-formed Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN)-Cebu chapter as they vowed to intensify the tri-media information campaign about the importance of passing the controversial bill.

BY NOEL SALES BARCELONA
Correspondent
Bulatlat

Cebu residents are for reproductive health (RH), unlike what opponents of the cause say.

This was the message of the newly-formed Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN)-Cebu chapter as they vowed to intensify the tri-media information campaign about the importance of passing the controversial bill.

In a statement sent last week to Bulatlat, Ms. Judy Aguilar of the newly created RHAN-Cebu said that the creation of RHAN-Cebu is one step to the strengthening of the RH bill passage campaign in the province, despite the fact that it is the bulwark of the Roman Catholic faith.

In addition to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the Manila, the Archdiocese of Cebu is strongly campaigning for the scrapping of the bill authored by Albay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, Sr.

Representatives of the progressive party-list groups Bayan Muna (People First), Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) and Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) signed the bill.

“We have RHAN-Cebu because we see the urgency in passing the reproductive health bill. We believe passage of this bill will ensure that maternal and child health care will improve, unwanted pregnancies and abortions will be prevented,” Aguilar said.

She further said the passage of the bill is crucial since Cebu, she said, is the province with the highest number of abortion cases, especially among married women.

“We believe that a comprehensive national law that will ensure reproductive health education and services will help reduce if not eliminate abortions,” explained Aguilar.

Meanwhile, in Manila, Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), lauded RHAN-Cebu for standing bravely despite the strong opposition shown by the Catholic hierarchy.

“We are glad that people are already taking up the cudgels to show legislators that there is a public clamor for a reproductive health bill.” San Pascual said.(Bulatlat.com)