Cabral to give away contraceptive pills this time

MANILA, Philippines – It was condoms on Valentine’s Day, and now it’s contraceptive pills.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral clarified yesterday that the government plans to give the contraceptive pills only to interested couples.

“We will be giving out pills, however, we have partners from international aid agencies and local government units to make sure that people are given the proper information as well as access to the services they need,” Cabral said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

Cabral said the government abides by the policy of informed choice and responsible parenthood.

“We leave it to the families to do whatever they want to do and the DOH only facilitates or assists families who wish to do family planning,” she said in the face of strong opposition from the Catholic Church.

Cabral said the Department of Health (DOH) has allocated P2.5 million from funds donated by international organizations to purchase condoms that would be distributed to the public as part of the government’s campaign to curb the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS in the country.

“I think it’s the right thing to do in order to promote the health of the people and that is a mandate the DOH has. We are just doing what we are supposed to do,” Cabral said.

Cabral said if the Church has the responsibility to guard the morality of the people, the DOH has the duty to protect the health of the people.

Cabral said the distribution of condoms is just one facet of the government anti-AIDS campaign, which includes promoting abstinence and faithfulness among couples.

Cabral said President Arroyo has not ordered the DOH to stop the anti-AIDS campaign or the distribution of free condoms.

But deputy presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo has admitted calling up Cabral regarding the matter and suggested to her that she check first with the President whether such a campaign should be pursued.

Cabral expressed hope that the DOH and the Church would reach a compromise on the government’s family planning program. – –Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star) with Helen Flores, Paolo Romero