What About the RH Bill

The Reproductive Health Bill or simply the RH Bill is causing much uproar in the country today.  I have bookmarked the website where I could read the full text of the said bill later to really comprehend what's it about. I watched the debate between the anti-RH group and the pro-RH people on TV.  It was very interesting, and both parties were very passionate regarding their stand.

I'd like to say I support the RH Bill.  I believe it can be a solution to lessen poverty, reduce maternal deaths, and prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Our scenario:  

I would like to have many children - but because we know that having many children can cost so much, we made a choice to limit the number of our kids by using contraception.  We knew about contraception from our medical backgrounds.  Our studies provided us with much information on the human body, on fertilization, and on contraception use and its benefits and disadvantages.  Armed with these knowledge, we made our choice according to what we believe is best for us.  We didn't violate any laws by using contraception.  Doctors may also prescribe their use when patients ask them for advice. By having only the desired number of children, we were able to send them to a good school, pay for extracurricular lessons, buy them nice clothes, provide them with three meals everyday, and more. The family can visit malls, go to resorts and watch movies in theaters, once in a while.  These moments often improve and strengthen family ties and create good memories for them.

Now, these things may sound materialistic to some.  But most parents, if not all, wish to give the best for their children.  It is sad when a couple who have very little family income have so many children.  They may have wanted to limit the number of their children, but they often have little access to information on the proper way to do it.  Most cannot even afford to visit their doctor for advice on such issues, thus, pregnancy often occurs.  As Filipinos, it is inherent in our nature to love our child, planned or unplanned, thus we abhor the thought of abortion.  It is against our conscience and the teachings of the Church.

So children continue to come in many poor households and the parent's often suffer from heartache watching their children cry when hungry or gaze with envy at the children who go to school everyday because they can't.  The children also suffers, emotionally as well as physically.  Although it is true that some children who were born in poverty can rise above their challenges and become successful someday, a number of them may not.  What does the government, the church, the society do to help them? ---

With the RH Bill, all married couples will have information about reproductive health and have a choice.  The Church should in turn, continue spreading the words and the love of God to His people, not only during Sundays but by becoming role models of chastity and humility.  The Church, the parents, the school must together work hand in hand in instilling good values to the youth, so that they may know what to do with the knowledge that they gain on important issues, such as reproductive health or sex education, and act according to the dictate of their conscience. 

We can only hope and pray that the children we raise grow up to be compassionate and productive individuals, and become good citizens, not only of the country in which they choose to live, but also of the planet.