RH bill rises from the dead

MANILA, Philippines—Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin has filed another version of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill that includes mandated government care for those with HIV and AIDS, as well as those suffering from complications from abortion.

Garin’s bill comes a few days after Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman refiled the controversial bill, which calls for government promotion of contraception and sex education despite objections from the Roman Catholic Church.

The bill failed to get final approval in the previous Congress.

Garin said the new version includes provisions on hospital care because it has been reported that some women suffering from complications of HIV-AIDS and abortion are refused treatment by some private hospitals.

“While nothing in this act changes the law on abortion, the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, nonjudgmental and compassionate manner,” the bill states.

Garin, in a phone interview, said the provision aims to make sure that those who are suffering from the ill effects of illegal abortion receive proper medical attention. It has been the practice of some private hospitals to turn away patients who they know had induced abortion, she said.

Mandatory medical attention

“The point is there is a life involved. It’s not for the hospital to judge them. A few minutes of medical attention will matter. But what usually happens is that they pass on the patient to another hospital,” she said.

Medical attention for such patients should be mandatory, she stressed.

“Even if we say that the patient has sinned, it’s not for the hospital to say that she could not be treated,” she added.

As for RH education, the bill states it should include such topics such as self-protection against discrimination, sexual violence, abuse and teen pregnancy; fertility awareness; sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and AIDS; family planning methods; hazards of abortion; and responsible parenthood.

The bill also states that the state will promote, without bias, all modern methods of family planning, and that all accredited health facilities shall provide the full range of these methods. PhilHealth insurance or government financial assistance should cover these services, it adds.

“All serious and life-threatening reproductive health conditions such as HIV and AIDS, breast and reproductive tract cancers, and obstetric complications shall be given the maximum benefits as provided by PhilHealth programs,” it says. –Leila B. Salaverria, Philippine Daily Inquirer