Philippine President Pushes Family Planning Legislation

In a sharp departure from his predecessor’s stance, Philippine President Benigno Aquino is pushing for passage of a national family planning bill that would provide free access to contraceptives.  The bill, which faces an uphill fight in the Philippine Senate, has re-ignited a national debate over family planning.  Leaders of the Catholic Church have vowed to block passage.  Although the measure has popular support, efforts to pass family planning legislation have been blocked in the Philippine Congress for 14 years.  Aquino’s administration sees family planning and reproductive health programs as integral parts of its effort to combat poverty.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2010/1112/In-the-Philippines-church-and-state-row-over-family-planning/(page)/2