1.

Unintended pregnancies are common and may be resolved through eventual acceptance
or through self-induced injury or ingestion of substances to terminate the pregnancy.
Despite the illegality of abortion and the restricted status of misoprostol, substantial
knowledge and use of the drug exists. Abortion was generally thought to invoke Gaba (bad
karma), yet some noted its acceptability under certain circumstances. It elucidates the
complexities of pregnancy decision-making in this restrictive environment and the need for
comprehensive and confidential reproductive health services for Filipino young adults.

Abortion remains illegal in the Philippines under all circumstances and is highly
stigmatized. While a liberal interpretation of the law could exempt abortion provision from
criminal liability when done to save the woman’s life, there are no such explicit provisions
(Finer, L., 2013). In combination with restrictive reproductive health policies, recent and rapid
changes in the social environment may also place adolescents and young adults at increased
risk for unintended (mistimed or unwanted) pregnancies. Stigma intricately linked to notions of
sin and gaba, ingestion of herbal and medicinal substances, the use of kumot (crushing of the
stomach), or the insertion of devices or object, and harmful counterfeit drugs surrounding
unintended pregnancy and abortion in this urban setting in the Philippines was central creates
an atmosphere of secrecy and silence and can negatively influence women’s health by
causing delays in care-seeking, attempts to self-induce for fear of involving others, and the
prompting of women to seek untrained providers for unsafe procedures. Given the unlawful
and stigmatization of unintended pregnancy and abortion in this context, the Catholic Church's
stance on "artificial" contraception and the desire of many Filipinos to adhere to their faith and
the teachings of the Church, the negative effects of unsafe abortion on maternal and child
health, and the documented high levels of unintended pregnancy in the Philippines, it is
critical to provide access to comprehensive reproductive health education, counseling, and
services. In terms of women's sexual and reproductive health, the nurse plays an important
role in both educating them on various contraceptive methods and contributing to safe
abortion care.
To ensure that people can have safe abortions without fear of judgment, we must provide
health and legal information while also protecting and preserving space to reduce client
anxiety about the issue. We could significantly reduce unwanted pregnancies if we commit
including providing comprehensive sex education consisting of medically reliable information
about abstinence and contraceptive methods, increased access to safe contraception which
prevents ovulation but does not cause abortion, and programs that combat domestic
harassment and violence to ensure that we provide the quality care and meet client’s
satisfaction. We must provide patients who choose to have a legal abortion with information
and counseling in an environment of mutual trust and personalized care before, during, and
after the abortion is performed by empowering them to become actively involved in the
planning of care. They have a right to receive care in an environment that provides privacy,
culturally appropriate, and specific nursing expertise. We also have an obligation for
educational preparation, and the responsibility to obtain such, to assist and meet the
emotional, physical, and psychological needs of patients to provide competent and supportive
nursing care.
As a nursing student, I believe that equivalent care is essential, and that equal care
includes safe abortion for all women and transgender people, regardless of nationality,
religion, social or economic status. What is needed is continuity of care so that all women
have the information and resources they need to avoid unintended pregnancies, carry healthy
pregnancies to term, raise their children with safety, stability, and dignity to live with healthy
and quality life.
 2. Early initiation of breastfeeding, within one hour of birth, protects the newborn from
acquiring infection and reduces newborn mortality. It facilitates the emotional
bonding of the mother and the baby and has a positive impact on the duration of
exclusive breastfeeding.
 

According to WHO, breastfeeding is the most effective way to provide optimal nutrition for
a baby's healthy growth and development. It has numerous advantages for both the baby and
the mother. Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for growth and development, providing
newborns and infants with nutrients in their natural forms. Breastfeeding children have
numerous health benefits, including lower mortality rates, ideal nutritional values, and long-
term benefits such as healthy weights and higher intelligence later in life. Breastfeeding
benefits maternal health as well, as evidenced by lower rates of breast and ovarian cancers
and fewer cases of post-partum depression. It is also stated that "early breastfeeding
cessation raises infants' risks for childhood obesity, gastroenteritis, leukemia, otitis media,
severe lower respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome, and types 1 and 2
diabetes." Breastfeeding also helps mothers form a stronger bond with their children.
According to one study, the number one benefit of breastfeeding cited by mothers was
"helping bond with baby." Breastfeeding may improve the mother-infant bonding process
psychologically through active talking, eye contact, and skin-to-skin touch.
To increase support for new mothers, nurses can extend patient teaching and provide
health education not only to the mother but to the fathers and other support systems important
to the mother. To encourage adherence to treatment plans, pamphlets and literary
guides highlighting the health and financial benefits of breastfeeding should be distributed to
women to share with any family members who are unable to attend appointments. Nurses
must encourage and support breastfeeding during interactions with mothers. To effectively
reduce the complications and incidence of illness and disease, nurses should address
the discontinuation of breastfeeding by teaching mothers pre- and post-partum how to avoid
the pitfalls behind the cessation of breastfeeding, such as pain, discomfort, distress,
insufficient support, and the public’s disapproval. For us to maximize the independence of
mothers in performing ADL or activities of daily living, this teaching would include
assisting mothers with proper latch techniques and encouraging mothers to participate in
breastfeeding classes pre-natal as well as breastfeeding support groups during the post-
partum period. Mothers should be taught how to pump, store, and prepare breast milk as they
may re-enter the workforce following maternity leave, as well as reinforcing the benefits of
breast milk at well-baby visits to encourage the continuation of breastfeeding to ensure the
continuity of care towards the improvement of quality life. Furthermore, because some women
are concerned about the stigma and embarrassment associated with breastfeeding, some
women are unable or reluctant to breastfeed in public. Nurses can use this to reduce client
anxiety to advocate for better breastfeeding areas for mothers and infants in open area and
the workplace. Increased patient teaching and public education will increase the number of
mothers who initiate breastfeeding and the duration of breastfeeding by mothers, lowering
health costs, and positively affecting maternal and newborn health. 
 Sources:
 Gipson, J. et.al (2011). Stud Fam Plann. Perceptions and practices of illegal abortion
among urban young adults in the Philippines: a qualitative study.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22292245/

 Finer, L. et. al., (2013). Guttmacher Institute. Unintended Pregnancy and Unsafe
Abortion in the Philippines: Context and Consequences.
https://www.guttmacher.org/report/unintended-pregnancy-and-unsafe-abortion-
philippines-context-and-consequences#:~:text=Abortion%20remains%20illegal%20in
%20the,are%20no%20such%20explicit%20provisions.

 World Health Organization (WHO), 2013. Breastfeeding in the Philippines: A Critical

 Kellams, A. (2021). UpToDate. Patient education: Breastfeeding guide (Beyond the

 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) & World Health Organization (WHO), 2016.
Advocacy Brief. The Role of Midwives and Nurses in Protecting, Promoting and
Supporting Breastfeeding.
https://www.globalbreastfeedingcollective.org/media/1391/file/GBC-advocacy-brief-
role-midwives-nurses-protecting-promoting-breastfeeding.pdf