GROUP 2

THE RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD

AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT OF
2012
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS RPRH?

Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law of 2012 or The

Republic Act No. 10354 is described as "an a providing for a national policy on
responsible parenthood and reproductive health."

What is the purpose of RPRH?

The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012 (R.A 10354)
was launched and recognized as the reproductive health law RH law to prevent
the increasing rate of the population and reduce the poverty rate in the country.
• Also, RPRH implements family planning for married couples,
especially those who have no life skills.

• Universal access to responsible Parenthood services and reproductive

health care is crucial for sustainable growth, helping Filipino mothers
survive childbirth, empowering couples and individuals, and
improving young people's sexual health.
DECLARATION OF POLICY
SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY
The State recognizes and guarantees the human rights of all persons
including their right to equality and nondiscrimination of these rights,
the right to sustainable human development, the right to health, the right
to education and information, and the right to choose and make
decisions for themselves in accordance with their religious convictions,
ethics, cultural beliefs, and the demands of responsible parenthood.
PURSUANT TO THE DECLARATION OF STATE POLICIES UNDER SECTION 12, ARTICLE
II OF THE 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION, IT IS THE DUTY OF THE STATE TO;

a. Protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution and
equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception.

b. Protect and promote the right to health of women especially mothers in particular
and of the people in general and instill health consciousness among them.

c. Protect and advance the right of families in particular and the people in general to a
balanced and healthful environment in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
• The State recognizes and guarantees the promotion and equal
protection of the welfare and rights of children, the youth, and the
unborn.
• The State recognizes and guarantees the promotion of gender
equality, gender equity, women empowerment and dignity as a
health and human rights concern and as a social responsibility.
The State recognizes marriage as an inviolable social institution and the foundation of the
family, which in turn is the foundation of the nation. Pursuant thereto, the State shall defend:

a. The right of spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions and the
demands of responsible parenthood;

b. The right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection
from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their
development;

c. The right of the family to a family living wage and income; and

d. The right of families or family associations to participate in the planning and implementation
of policies and programs that affect them.
• The State guarantees universal access to medically-safe, non-
abortifacient, effective, legal, affordable, and quality reproductive health
care services, methods, devices, supplies which do not prevent the
implantation of a fertilized ovum and relevant information and
education.
• The State shall eradicate discriminatory practices, laws and policies that
infringe on a person’s exercise of reproductive health rights.
• The State shall also promote openness to life; Provided, That parents
bring forth to the world only those children whom they can raise in a
truly humane way.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR
IMPLEMENTATION
SECTION 3. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
1. Guaranteed right to free and informed decisions.
2. Respect for protection and fulfillment of reproductive health and rights.
3. Primacy given to effective and quality reproductive healthcare services.
4. Provision of ethically and medically safe, legal, accessible, affordable, non-
abortifacient, effective, and quality healthcare services and supplies as
component of basic health care.
5. Promotion and provision of information and access to all o methods of family
planning, which have been proven medically safe, legal, non-abortifacient, and
effective.
SECTION 3. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
6. Provision of funding support consistent with needs of acceptors and
religious conviction.
7. Promotion of programs and resources for couples to have the
number of children desired, conducting studies to support policy and
alternatives.
8. Giving priority to the poor.
9. Respect for individual preferences.
10. Active participation of non-government institutions and other
organizations.
SECTION 3. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
11. Care for post-abortive, pregnancy, labor, and delivery
complications.
12. Determination of family as to ideal family size, provided that it has been
given the necessary information.
13. No demographic or population targets.
14. Central elements of gender equality and women
empowerment.
15. Use of the resources of the country to serve entire population, provided that
the life of the unborn is protected.
16. Development of multifaceted processes.
17. Addressing the needs of people throughout their life cycle.
 SIGNIFICANT
POINTS IN THE
SUPREME COURT
DECISION
On July 11, 2014 the catholic Bishop's Conference of the
Philippines (CBCP) released the Pastrol Guidance on the
Implementation of RH Law. It explain the position of the
catholic church on reproductive health. The salient points
were also used by the supreme court in its decision on the
constitutionality of the law and in striking down eight
provisions.
1. Contraception - is the governing and overarching principle of the RH Law.

2. The Right of the life is grounded on natural law and is inherent in a person, and
therefore, not a creation of, or dependent upon a particular law, custom, or believe.

3. Abortifacients are prohibited. An abortifacient is any drug or device that induces

abortion or induces the destruction of a fetus inside the mothers womb, or prevents
the fertilized ovum to reach and to be implanted in the mother's womb.

4. No Contraceptive that harms or destroy the life of the unborn from conception or
fertilization can be allowed.
5. The sale, dispensation, or distribution of any Contraceptive drug or device is
done only by a duly- licensed drugstore or pharmaceutical company with the
prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.

6. The inclusion of a particular hormonal contraceptive or intrauterine device by a

National Drug Formulary in the Essential Drug List is only done after it has been
tested, evaluated, and approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and
determined to be safe and non- abortifacient.

7. When the healthcare worker objects on the basis of conscience to artificial

contraception, the healthcare worker is not obligated and may refuse to refer a
patient to anyone else from where the contraceptives may be obtained.
8. The same rule (item no. 7) applies to non-maternity specialty hospitals and
hospitals owned and operated by religious groups and healthcare service providers.

9. The same rule item no. 7) applies to healthcare workers in employ of the
government.

10. Conscientious objection does not extend to emergency cases, as when the
mother's life is in danger.

11. Both spouses must give their consent for a married person to have an
irreversible form of contraception.
12. Even if a minor is a parent or has had a miscarriage, the consent of the parents is needed to
receive family planning services. The minor may receive information about the services and
undergo emergency surgical procedures in life-threatening situations.

13. Private educational institutions may be excluded from mandatory reproductive health
program of the government on the ground of academic freedom.

14. Local government unit employees performing non- medical functions are not compelled to
implement the RH law based on religious or ethical ground.

15. The RH Law is a mere compilation and enhancement of prior existing contraceptive and
reproductive health laws but with coercive measures. The principles of "ne abortion" and "no
coercion" should be maintained in the adoption of any family planning method.
ENACTMENT
The Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act No. 10354
on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health on
December 18, 2012, after decades of what can only be
described as “bitter public controversy and political
wrangling.” Three days later, it was signed into law by the
President of the Philippines.
IMPLEMENTATION
Reproductive health (RH) advocates and champions in the Philippines faced
a tough 14-year long battle against powerful groups and strong oppositions
to turn the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012
(Republic Act No. 10354) into a landmark law in December 2012. Known
as the RH Law, it provides universal and free access to modern
contraceptive methods, mandates age- and development-appropriate
reproductive health education in government schools, and recognizes a
woman’s right to post-abortion care in the Philippines as part of the right to
reproductive healthcare.
10 LESSONS FROM 10 YEARS OF IMPLEMENTING THE RH LAW IN
THE PHILIPPINES
1. It is not enough to make an RH bill a law—it is important to give it teeth.

2. An RH law is nothing without consistent, adequate funding.

3. Wisely spending the budget allocated for FP/RH provides indisputable evidence to
continue funding and implementing the law.

4. Political will is key and priceless to successful implementation.

5. Mobilize the most relevant government agencies to implement the law.

10 LESSONS FROM 10 YEARS OF IMPLEMENTING THE RH LAW IN
THE PHILIPPINES
6. In a decentralized form of government, the power is with local government leaders.
Make them your allies.

7. Relentlessly educate national and local governments on the cost effectiveness of

funding and implementing FP/RH initiatives.

8. Use public sentiment to one’s advantage.

9. Know who is for you and against you.

10. A strong, determined, and persistent RH movement, composed of different sectors,

is crucial to move forward and sustain the gains of RH law implementation.
RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD
AND REPRODUCTIVE
HEALTH ACT OF 2012: MAJOR
OUTCOME
Maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition
- covers the health concerns and interventions across the life course involving
women before and during pregnancy; newborns, that is, the first 28 days of
life; and children to their fifth birthday. •

Family Planning - is the consideration of the number of children a person

wishes to have, including the choice to have no children, and the age at which
they wish to have them. Things that may play a role on family planning
decisions include marital situation, career or work considerations, financial
situations.
Adolescent sexuality and reproductive health
• refers to the physical and emotional wellbeing of adolescents and includes
their ability to remain free from unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion,
STIs (including HIV/AIDS), and all forms of sexual violence and
coercion. •

Sexually transmitted infection and HIV/AIDS

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common among people

who are sexually active. Anyone who has sex is at risk, including people
with HIV. STIs are also commonly referred to as sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs).
Gender based violence

• Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious violation of human

rights and a life-threatening health and protection issue. When
people flee their homes, they are often at greater risk of
physical, sexual and psychological violence, such as rape,
sexual abuse, trafficking and forced prostitution.
CONTRACEPTION
AND
ABORTION
CONTRACEPTION refers to methods or devices used to prevent
pregnancy, such as birth control pills, condoms, or intrauterine
devices (IUDs).

• Example of contraception: implants, intrauterine devices

(IUDs), injections, pills, vaginal rings, barrier methods,
sterilization and etc..
• - Condoms are the best available protection against sexually
transmissible infections (STIs).
ABORTION the termination of a pregnancy, resulting in the
removal or expulsion of the embryo or fetus from the uterus.

• The Philippines has strict laws regarding abortion due to its

predominantly Catholic population and deeply ingrained
cultural and religious beliefs.
Does contraception reduce the rate of abortion?

• When people have access to effective contraception methods

and use them consistently, the likelihood of unintended
pregnancies decreases. If fewer children are conceived, then
there should be fewer cases of abortion. - Ultimately leads to
fewer cases of abortion.
SHOULD GOVERNMENT FUNDS (TAXPAYER'S
MONEY) BE USED FOR THE WIDESPREAD
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILY PLANNING DEVICES
OR FOR IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTHCARE
FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND EDUCATION?
(1) Widespread distribution of family planning devices:
• Access to contraception can help prevent unintended
pregnancies, which may reduce the demand for abortion
services.
• Contraception can empower individuals to make informed
choices about their reproductive health and family planning.
(2) Improvement of healthcare facilities, services, and education:

• Improved healthcare facilities and services can also address the root causes of
unintended pregnancies, such as lack of access to comprehensive healthcare,
economic disparities, and social determinants of health.
• Education on reproductive health and family planning can empower individuals to
make informed decisions about their bodies and health, potentially reducing the
need for abortion and improving overall health outcomes.
• Governments can address the multifaceted nature of reproductive health and work
towards reducing the incidence of unintended pregnancies and abortions while also
improving overall public health outcomes.
 CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS IN PROMOTING A
TWO CHILD POLICY FOR
POPULATION CONTROL
Challenges:
1. Not all couples have children, so the replacement idea isn't
perfect.
2. Some children might not grow up, so they won't replace their
parents.
3. Diversity Factor: Different families have different values, so not
everyone may accept this policy.

What's Needed: Besides family size, we must focus on healthcare,

education, jobs, and empowering women for better population
management.
 LAW:
PENAL PROVISIONS
VS
FREE CHOICE AND CONSCIENCE
• RPRH Law promotes reproductive health and family planning
services.
• The Law ensures access to contraceptives and family planning
information.
• Some argue penalties of healthcare providers who refuse services
violate personal beliefs.
• Penalties aim to ensure public access to reproductive health
services.
• Opinions vary on whether penalties infringe on personal choice.
THANK YOU!