Rep. Janette L. Garin on Maternal Deaths

There may have been a variance in data since the studies used different methodologies, but the fact is, there are mothers dying every day due to pregnancy and childbirth related complications.  Whether we use the high estimate of 11 and the low estimate of six mothers, we still have to address the issue of maternal deaths.  The passage of the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 is still very crucial to ensure funding from the government.

As it is today, the lack of a comprehensive national law on RH worsens the condition as there is no assured budget for family planning and reproductive health education and services.  Funding and services are dependent on the whims of the local chief executive.  RH law will standardize the RH services across the country.

We call on the anti-RH groups to refrain from confusing the public making it appear that there is no need for this law, just to push for their agenda of blocking the passage of the bill. We have to respond to the clamor of the majority of the Filipino people for a national policy that will ensure access to RH services. This call has been constantly confirmed by survey results.