OK! No problem. Hatchet buried. Thanks!
Yes, there is a failure rate. But I hope you won't mind if some groups try to improve the success rate (or at the very least get them to reduce the number of s3x partners). We know it's an uphill fight. In relation to the HB 5043, we think that the RH Bill, if passed as is, will make that job very much harder.
There are also many studies which show that abstinence programs work better than "comprehensive" s3x education which includes contraceptives. And studies that show that contraceptive usage still leads to more unwanted pregnancies and more demand for abortion. So we do have scientific basis for our advocacy of abstinence programs.
In any case, if people choose to use contraceptives we can't legally stop them (unless these contraceptives are also abortifacients). One of my concerns, however, is that the RH Bill in its present form will
force pro-life persons to cooperate in objectionable actions (such as dispensing abortifacient contraceptives). I think no one should be forced to dispense or provide them, or be forced to refer the requesting persons to others who will do the same. The provision in the Bill relevant to this issue is Section 21 #5.
There are many issues involved in the RH Bill. Some parts of the Bill are actually commendable such as Sections 7 and 8, and all that is needed is the provision of actual funding so that these will be implemented (the Bill only requires a "best-effort" on the part of LGUs and provides no funding).
But I think there are also
grave, legitimate objections to many parts of the Bill. Even some supporters of the Bill, for example, take exception to Section 12, 17 and 21 of the Bill. These aren't pro-lifers but persons who fundamentally agree to the use and promotion of contraceptives and population control, but see some serious flaws in the RH Bill.
There are ways, I think, to implement
real reproductive health while avoiding the dangers posed by the RH Bill in its present form. The thing is, Lagman et al have shown little interest in productive dialogue since they will not allow those worst sections of the Bill to be deleted. But then maybe that is a negotiating tactic on their part. Perhaps their stance will change in the future if we are able to block the current attempt to get the RH Bill passed as is.
Many pro-lifers do remain hopeful that Lagman et al will have a change of heart and mind, although I admit to some skepticism about that. But you never know; future events may yet surprise me.
Well, yes, in a general way, as most laws do. The RH Bill states:
"The POPCOM, in coordination with the Department of Education, shall formulate the Reproductive Health Education curriculum, which shall be common to both public and private schools."
So there will be materials from POPCOM that will be
imposed on all schools.
The point is that there will be no choice. Schools will not be allowed to make their own program based on their beliefs and own expertise. The RH Bill IMPOSES a single set of "values" instead of allowing parents and schools to formulate their own.
True. But I think that is all the more reason to allow schools to formulate their own values education programs in accordance with their beliefs and allow parents to choose among them. But the RH Bill mandates the exact opposite, and that is one of the reasons why we object to it.
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” Proverbs 24:11
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." Proverbs 31:8
Please sign the petition AGAINST the so-called Reproductive Health Bill (HB5043)