The merit of the health-oriented, rights-based and development-driven reproductive health law has been once again recognized with the approval by the Duterte administration of the country’s National Program on Family Planning.

This was underscored by Rep. Edcel C. Lagman who is the principal author of R.A. No. 10354 or the “Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012”.

Lagman said “it is hoped that the program will be implemented soonest, adequate funds are made available, and the implementing agencies and officials will muster the strong political will to enforce the law.”

The full implementation of the program will achieve the following:

• Increase in contraceptive prevalence rate or the number of women of reproductive age using modern contraceptives.

• Deceleration of the fertility rate and the population growth rate.

• Reduction of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.

• Decrease in the incidence of abortion.

• Reduction of high-risk teenage pregnancies.

• Allowing women to finish their education and secure gainful employment.

The program complements the government’s poverty alleviation policies and development plans “because family planning and contraceptive use do not only save lives but also assures the saving of funds for economic development” according to Lagman.

Lagman explained that “funds otherwise allocated to address pregnancy and maternity complications which are effectively reduced, can be channeled to the socio-economic development agenda.”

EDCEL C.LAGMAN