Philippine 'Population Management' Bill Draws Fire from Christians, Pro-Lifers
A new proposed bill to promote artificial contraception and the idea of a two-child per family quota has outraged many in the predominantly-Catholic Philippines.
A new proposed bill to promote artificial contraception and the idea of a two-child per family quota has outraged many in the predominantly-Catholic Philippines.
The House of Representatives has agreed to hold a plenary debate for the “Responsible Parenthood and Population Management Act,” or House Bill (HB) 3773, around mid-January, according to the Catholic News Service. A final vote for the controversial bill is expected on Jan. 16.
“Where did this come from? These are Western ideas, not Filipino, and they do not protect the dignity of the Filipino women,” protested Eileen Macapanas Cosby, Executive Director of the Filipino Family Fund in Washington, D.C., in a statement released by the organization. “In fact, they pave the way for the kind of human rights nightmare that is already in China, with its coercive sterilization and contraception practices. This Philippine version is really just ‘China-light.’ This is not a policy growing from Filipino values, it is social engineering from the outside being imposed on the Philippine people.”
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Supporters of the bill say it is necessary to curb the population growth and fight poverty in the Southeast Asian nation where 40 percent of the roughly 88 million people live below the poverty line, according to CNS.
But the bill has generated strong opposition domestically from the Catholic Church, pro-life groups, as well as campaigners based in the United States.
"Too many people don't cause poverty," said one opposing lawmaker, Rene Velarde, to CNS. "Bad governance and policies do."
The bill’s main author, Excel Legman, said the proposal is not an abortion bill “by any stretch of the imagination,” but a measure to provide “free and full access to adequate and relevant information on reproductive health and a full range of family methods and device,” according to the Catholic News Agency.
Moreover, Legman claimed that the bill would prevent abortion by reducing the number of unplanned and unwanted pregnancies.
Families of more than two children would not be penalized but would forfeit incentives such as preference in the grant of scholarships (other criteria would be taken into consideration, such as financial need and academic aptitude).
Dr. Pia de Solenni, Director of Life and Women’s Issues at the Family Research Council, shared Cosby’s concerns.
"This is nothing but a campaign against women and their health,” she told Filipino Family Fund. “Rather than allow women to make their own decisions about their families, advocates of the two-child policy presume that women aren't capable of making their own decisions.
“In addition, abortion and some contraceptives can pose substantial health risks for women,” she added, “but this policy would sacrifice women's health for a flawed ideology.”
Adding to the bill’s controversy is a new criminal offense where health care workers will be considered breaking the law if they withhold or provide incorrect information about reproductive health and the legal rights involved.
The offense results in prison terms of up to six months and the option of a fine.
Lawmaker Velarde, a representative with the small Buhay party list, said he found it "absurd that the bill would give families a semblance of choice in planning but puts a limit on the number of children families would want to raise."
In addition to Filipino Family Fund, the Catholic rights group International Solidarity and Human Rights Institute, also oppose the bill.
