Republic Act No.

10354 also known as the Reproductive Health Law (RH Law)

has been an immense issue in our society. Full implementation of this law will enable

anyone to use contraceptives such as condoms and birth control pills. During the State

of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Durterte last July 2016, he clearly

stated that hes in favor with the full enforcement of this regulation.

Although it is said that RH Law is necessary in our country, what effects does it

have that really benefits most of the Philippines citizens? It is unjust to fully execute

this law considering the possible negative effects that this may bring. Furthermore,

occurrence of conflict between the church and the state happened due to this decree.

When making a decision, we must often think what would be the aftermath of it

and how this decision can possibly profit us. Most people chose to advocate and

promote the usage of contraceptives because it can help to control the fertility of

women. That may be one of their reasons why they support the RH Law but in reality,

artificial contraceptives can injure womens health. According to the International

Agency for Research on Cancer, birth control pills are carcinogenic. It also causes

stroke and increases the risk of heart attacks. So do contraceptives help? Definitely no.

Another thing is, our government supports RH Law because they believe that

somehow, it will control the ascension of population. But come to think of it, if this law

was fully implemented, will locals use it? The government also defends that this may

decrease poverty but how come? How could this law decrease poverty? We can only

solve poverty if the poor individual himself strives to change his state of living. In
addition, poverty is not something the government can work out by themselves. It is a

problem that can only be solved by the person whos involve or experiencing scarcity.

In addition, does ascension of population hinders the Philippines economic

growth? No. Our country just doesnt have a lot to offer in means of occupation. Also,

theres an age discrimination in some companies in our country. In order for us to have

development in the nation, the people themselves should also be engaged in things that

makes them productive. And together we will reach the economic growth we all want.

No need to implement the RH Law because it doesnt have any relation in solving the

poverty in our nation.

As stated earlier, conflicts arise between the state and the church because of the

RH Law. The CBCP or the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines strongly

disapproves this law since it shows disrespect in their beliefs. Contraceptives, pills in

particular, kill children and thats one of the reasons why the church does not support

this movement. Personally, it is depressing to know that there are women out there

who have the guts to kill their own child. How could they do this to the innocent ones?

Contradicting the belief that pills dont kill children, some experts from Harvard Medical

School found out that it does kill the fetus because human life begins when the sperm

penetrates the egg.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency

Syndrome(AIDS) are widespread in our country. Concepts are, to prevent the

proliferation of HIV and AIDS, use condom. But availability of this can make men take

wilder sexual risks believing they are using a so-called protection, consequential
worsening the spread of the said disease. Technically, this law has way more

pessimistic effects than positive ones.

Although the Reproductive Health Law is extremely unfavorable, somehow, the

good side of it is it teaches sex education. It will be tackled starting from Grade 5 to

Grade 10 students. Responsible parenthood and the possible results of sex will be

instructed. But does sex education really help? Will this be enough to cease early

pregnancy and prevalence of HIV and AIDS? A huge no. This kind of phenomenon will

be hindered when the individual will morally and respectfully reserve their body to have

sex in the right time.

All in all, the government proposed this law as a solution for poverty, over

population and early pregnancy in our country but as stated above, proven with facts,

the Reproductive Health Law is not that sufficient and necessary. Hopefully, rather than

implementing this law, the government will just focus on improving what the Philippines

need to develop. Also, there are other laws and bills that should be given more

attention, an apt example is the K-12 curriculum that was signed last 2015 by the former

administration.

Lets all make a stand and act against RH Law. Facts are given and studies have

proven that Reproductive Health Law does not do any good towards us. After all, it is

not change we all want from the new set of Philippine officials. Lets not be blinded by
the things we thought was good about this law, although there is, but it is not enough.

We deserve more than this.

As a solution, I am strongly recommending that the government will redirect the

2.2 billion peso fund for RH Law to strengthen and improve the current laws especially

the ones for education. Subsequently, develop the assets that can be found in rural

places mainly the natural environment. There are plenty of things are profitable in

provinces. Also it can help to promote the tourism of Philippines. In addition, encourage

education about chastity and humanity. Lastly, support natural family planning and

responsible parenthood.

All of the proposed solutions may take time, it may be a long process but atleast,

the aftermath of all this will be a good one. We all want for change, I know we are all

aiming for that but lets achieve that change in an excellent way.