Law called a threat to life
Wed, November 19 2008
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged legislators not to pass the Reproductive Health bill without fixing “fatal flaws” that make it unacceptable.
“It is our collective discernment that the bill in its present form poses a serious threat to life of infants in the womb,” the CBCP said in a pastoral statement.
“It is a source of danger for the stability of the family. It places the dignity of womanhood at great risk.”
The CBCP contends the Reproductive Health, which aims to ensure that women have access to all necessary health services, including artificial contraception, would legalize abortion.
“Although it mentions that abortion is a crime, it does not state explicitly that human life is to be protected upon conception as stated in the constitution,” the bishops noted.
While abortion is not legalized in the bill, it stipulates that “government shall ensure that women seeking care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner.”
Supporters say The Philippines needs to implement a comprehensive family planning policy.
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