Before Reproductive Health (RH) Law was implemented, there were mixed reactions from different sectors. Some deem its implementation as a great way to curb population growth while others are still throwing moral punches. RH Law was passed in 2014 and former President Fidel Ramos urges President Rodrigo Duterte to fully implement the law.
This is because of the growing population of the country that creates a ripple effect on the growth of poverty rate. The law aims to support the poor by means of distributing modern methods of contraception. Although there is a decrease in population growth, which is at 2.1% per year, this is still high compared to the major countries in East Asia, which were able achieve the population growth rates below 2% per year.
Here's a primer of RA No. 10354:
SEC. 19. Duties and Responsibilities. – (a) Pursuant to the herein declared policy, the DOH shall serve as the lead agency for the implementation of this Act and shall integrate in their regular operations the following functions:
(1) Fully and efficiently implement the reproductive health care program;
(2) Ensure people’s access to medically safe, non-abortifacient, legal, quality and affordable reproductive health goods and services; and
(3) Perform such other functions necessary to attain the purposes of this Act.
(b) The DOH, in coordination with the PHIC, as may be applicable, shall:
(1) Strengthen the capacities of health regulatory agencies to ensure safe, high quality, accessible and affordable reproductive health services and commodities with the concurrent strengthening and enforcement of regulatory mandates and mechanisms;
(2) Facilitate the involvement and participation of NGOs and the private sector in reproductive health care service delivery and in the production, distribution and delivery of quality reproductive health and family planning supplies and commodities to make them accessible and affordable to ordinary citizens;
(3) Engage the services, skills and proficiencies of experts in natural family planning who shall provide the necessary training for all BHWs;
(4) Supervise and provide assistance to LGUs in the delivery of reproductive health care services and in the purchase of family planning goods and supplies; and
(5) Furnish LGUs, through their respective local health offices, appropriate information and resources to keep the latter updated on current studies and researches relating to family planning, responsible parenthood, breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
(c) The FDA shall issue strict guidelines with respect to the use of contraceptives, taking into consideration the side effects or other harmful effects of their use.
(d) Corporate citizens shall exercise prudence in advertising its products or services through all forms of media, especially on matters relating to sexuality, further taking into consideration its influence on children and the youth.
