The Philippines Approves Historic Reproductive Health Act
It took 14 years, but family planning advocates scored a major victory in the Philippines with the passage of the Responsible Parenthood Act, a new law providing free access to contraception and family planning services. Despite fierce opposition from the Catholic Church and intense foot-dragging in the legislature, reproductive rights supporters passed the reproductive health bill in both Houses and sent it to the desk of President Benigno Aquino, who signed it on December 29. The new law, however, is expected to face several court challenges. Supporters fear that it could be overturned by the Supreme Court. The need for the new legislation, however, is evident. Surveys in the Philippines indicate that four out of ten women in the Philippines who want to avoid a pregnancy are not using a modern method of contraception, and while condoms are available, they are often very expensive. Contraceptives, as a practical matter, are not available in most public health clinics.
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