...Jointly by the Committees on Health and Demography; Finance; and Youth, Women and Family Relations with Senators Defensor-Santiago, Lacson and (P.) Cayetano as authors AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "The Reproductive Health Act of2011." SEC. 2. State Policies. - The State recognizes and guarantees the human rights of all persons including their right to equality and non-discrimination of these rights, the right to sustainable human development, the right to health which includes reproductive 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. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 The State shall comply with all its international obligations under various human rights instruments relative to reproductive health and women's empowerment including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Beijing Declaration, UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (DEV A W), Convention on the...
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...PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008“. SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State upholds and promotes responsible parenthood, informed choice, birth spacing and respect for life in conformity with internationally recognized human rights standards. The State shall uphold the right of the people, particularly women and their organizations, to effective and reasonable participation in the formulation and implementation of the declared policy. This policy is anchored on the rationale that sustainable human development is better assured with a manageable population of healthy, educated and productive citizens. The State likewise guarantees universal access to medically-safe, legal, affordable and quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies and relevant information thereon even as it prioritizes the needs of women and children,among other underprivileged sectors. SEC. 3. Guiding Principles. – This Act declares the following as basic guiding principles: a. In the promotion of reproductive health, there should be no bias for either modern or natural methods of family planning; b. Reproductive health goes beyond a demographic target...
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...RH LAW [ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10354 ] AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as “The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012″. SEC. 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 which includes reproductive 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 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. The State shall 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. The family is the natural and fundamental unit of society. The State shall likewise protect and advance the right of families in particular and the people in general to a balanced and healthful...
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...Graduate School of Business Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila A Study on the Attitudes of the Female Residents of Pureza, Manila towards the Reproductive Health Law In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Research Methods and Case Writing Submitted to Dr. Dolores Garcia Submitted by Arien Marie A. Guda I. Introduction Population control or population management has been one of the rallying cries of Filipino economists since Pres. Ferdinand Marcos signed the United Nations Declaration on Population in 1967. With an estimated population of 92,337,852 in 2010 according to the National Statistics Office (National Statistics Office [Philippines]), and a land area of 300,000 sq. m., lawmakers and civic groups have been clamoring for a solution to address the constant growth rate vis a vis the dwindling natural resources in the country. While the population growth rate continues to hold steady(estimated to be at 2.36% per annum in 2008) (National Statistics Office [Philippines] and ICF Macro), the country’s resources, has suffered the same fate as that of the rest of the Asia Pacific region, which, the Asian Development Bank, in collaboration with the WWF, says is, “consuming more resources than its ecosystems can sustain, threatening the future of the region’s beleaguered forests, rivers, and oceans as well as the livelihoods of those who depend on them.” In an effort to help address this issue, stakeholders have sought to offer various methods...
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...2007 Comm 201 Contemporary Issues Paper Women of Color and Reproductive Rights If it were up to me, I would describe a contemporary issue as a problem that has the potential to affect a vast majority of people throughout the same period of time. Being a young Black woman in the beginning stages of a new century and era, I have found that it is extremely important that I know everything that has to do with my health and my reproductive rights. As a little girl growing up, I can remember that I always had a fear of doctors; I always associated doctors with shots and needles. As I became older, my mother taught me that it was my responsibility to know all there was to know about my body and how make sure I stayed healthy. When I reached a certain age, my mother told me that it was time for me to make an appointment with a gynecologist and have my first pap smear. In the beginning, I was absolutely mortified at the thought of being invaded at such a personal level. When I explained my fears and apprehension to my mother, she explained that it was my responsibility to do any and everything in my power to make sure I was healthy, even if it meant being uncomfortable for a few minutes. She finally suggested that I do a little research to learn why I needed to go through such a procedure. When I learned of the benefits, I realized that I was gaining a sense of duty for myself in knowing the details of my reproductive health. I later realized that because I had the chance...
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...Lecturer, Middlesex University with Dr. Joshua Castellino and Ms. Bineta Diop, Co-Chairs of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Thematic Group on the “Challenges of Social Inclusion: Gender, Inequalities and Human Rights” 20 May 2013 1 1. Introduction This short paper aims to highlight the important role women have and can play in economic development. It addresses three questions: what is the evidence base to support investing in women? What are the current constraints on realising the full potential of women in the process of economic development? What are the priority areas of intervention necessary to unblock these constraints? It is focussed on women and on economic development, rather than on the wider issue of gender and development. However, before looking at the evidence base, constraints, and interventions, it will provide a brief context of the evolution of thinking around women and development.1 1. The Evolution of ‘Women in Development’ to ‘Gender and Development’ In the 1970s, research on African farmers noted that, far from being gender neutral, development was gender blind and could harm women. Out of this realization emerged the Women in Development (WID) approach, which constructed the problem of development as...
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...“Arming the youth with information,” one of the goals of the Reproductive Health Bill. In line with one of the two targets of Goal 5 - Improving Maternal Health - of the eight Millennium Development Goals which is achieving universal access to reproductive health by 2015. To achieve its goals, the bill provides for mandatory reproductive health education and that it be taught in "an age-appropriate manner... by adequately trained teachers starting from Grade 5 up to Fourth Year High School." As Iloilo Representative Janette Garin, author of the Reproductive Health Care Act says, “It’s very difficult to live in a society where we will be hypocritical and pretend that nothing is happening. But as early as grade 4 and 3, children, especially those in public schools, already have girlfriends and boyfriends.” Defined by United Nations (UN) on ICPD 1994, 'Reproductive health' is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and...not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and its functions and processes.” Considering the fact that we are a Christian nation, some people and religious groups find this topic very sensitive to be discussed among youngsters. In this regard, Filipino mothers have the “you-will-learn-when-you-are-old-enough” attitude. As with this, the researchers have come up to a study that would determine the knowledge regarding reproductive health of the high school freshmen’s considering the school that...
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...species and live in the same geographical area. Population growth, population control …etc are the hot matters of debate these days. Population explosion is causing severe climatic changes, food and sanitation problems and in one or the other way affecting the health of the people. Globally population is erupting thus by making the life on the green planet miserable. Here we should see the world as two different poles one as more developed countries and the other as less developed countries. former eating away the resources of the later. Looking at the point that population growth affecting the health of the people. Different countries have different strategies regarding the health care system provided to their citizens. Population explosion is affecting health of the people in many different ways such as Inadequate health care resources Inefficient Management of the available resources due huge population Lack of education on importance of the sanitation, sexual health care etc. These problems can be seen majorly in less developed countries. <stats> If we take India in this case, we have gdp of more than 30% of the Australia’s. But their population is just about 10% of ours. By this they can provide good health care to their people. Population rise also increases the poverty. In India the saddest part is govt is reluctant to recognize the poor as poor. This can be clearly seen by the income level set by the govt to be recognized as poor. If population rises at this...
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...CATHOLICS CAN SUPPORT THE RH BILL IN GOOD CONSCIENCE (Position paper on the Reproductive Health Bill by individual faculty* of the Ateneo de Manila University) (Note: The opinions expressed in this paper are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of other faculty. Neither do they represent the official position of the Ateneo de Manila University nor the Society of Jesus.) We, individual faculty of the Ateneo de Manila University, call for the immediate passage of House Bill 5043 on “Reproductive Health and Population Development” (hereafter RH Bill) in Congress. After examining it in the light of Philippine social realities, and informed by our Christian faith, we have reached the conclusion that our country urgently needs a comprehensive and integrated policy on reproductive health and population development, as provided by the RH Bill. We also believe that the provisions of the bill adhere to core principles of Catholic social teaching: the sanctity of human life, the dignity of the human person, the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, integral human development, human rights, and the primacy of conscience. Catholic social theology since Vatican II has evolved, on the one hand, from the emphasis on order, social cohesiveness, the acceptance of some inequality, and obedience to authorityto the recognition, on the other, of the centrality of the human person, and the concomitant need for human freedom, equality, and participation (Pacem...
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...Introduction Reproductive life planning includes all the decision an individual or couple make about having children (2007, Pillitteri). It is important for the health of children that as many pregnancies as possible be intended, because when a pregnancy is unintended, the mother is less likely to seek prenatal check, less likely to breast feed and less careful to protect the fetus from harmful substances. An individual’s or a couple’s choice of contraceptive method should be made carefully, with complete knowledge about advantages, disadvantages, and side effects of the various options. Important things to consider include the following: * Personal values * Ability to use a method correctly * How the method will affect sexual enjoyment * Financial factors * Status of a couple’s relationship * Prior experiences * Future plans The widespread use of contraceptives points to both an increased awareness of responsibility for contraception and options available. Understanding this concept, its work and how they compare in terms of benefits and disadvantages is necessary for successful counseling. Legal and ethical issues must also be considered when counseling clients. The arguments about contraception fall into several groups: * philosophical arguments such as the "natural law" argument * arguments based on different ideas of marriage, sex and the family * human rights arguments such as * 'procreative liberty' * a woman's right to...
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...Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; bUniversity of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; cIfakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania; d University of Basel, Institute of Anthropology, Basel, Switzerland (Received 27 September 2011; final version received 19 July 2012) Men as sexual partners, fathers and household heads have a direct bearing on women’s reproductive health. However, little is known about the influence of changing norms and values on men’s role in ensuring women’s health during pregnancy and childbirth. This study from rural south-eastern Tanzania explores men’s and women’s discussions on men’s roles and responsibilities in prenatal care and links them to an analysis of norms and values at the household level and beyond. Data from eight focus group discussions with men and women were consensually coded and analysed using a qualitative content analysis. Four dimensions of norms and values, which emerged from analysis, bear upon men’s support towards pregnant women: changing gender identities; changing family and marriage structures; biomedical values disseminated in health education; and government regulations. The findings suggest that Tanzanian men are exposed to a contradictory and changing landscape of norms and values in relation to maternal health. Keywords: prenatal care; male involvement; qualitative; norms; values; Tanzania Introduction After a long time of neglect, men’s influence on women’s and children’s health has received...
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...which you discuss ethics in a health care organization. Include the following: • What are the organization’s goals? How are they tied to its ethical principles? Describe the role and importance of the corporation’s ethical values. • What is the relationship between the organization’s culture and ethical decision-making? • Is it important that the organization’s ethical values support your ethical values? Explain. • Is there a social responsibility for the organization in the community? Explain and provide examples. · Include at least three sources in your paper. · Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. CODE OF ETHICS PAPER A code of ethics is an integral part to all organizations and the degree that values are aligned with as well as the strategic planning methods for the thriving of Planned Parenthood of America where workflows equal the most efficient and clinically effective methods and tools. Political viewpoints and laws enforce personal employee's opinions and public pressure could interfere with operations at any point in time. Managerial preparedness through conceptualization of external ethical issues as well as internal issues that may arise from staff is necessary. Communication of protocols for situations and procedures should be performed to allow for front-line staff, patients, and the public to have a clear dynamic view of the ethical dilemmas that encroach upon the delivery of health care for this sector of the market...
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...trying to focus on the ethical aspects of the use of contraceptive methods we must consider that the use of these depends on agreement to personal freedom and autonomy. We have to realize that we are trying to get through this topic we are in between the depths of the human being where on one side is the union of a man and a woman attracted toward each other by the sexual instinct which is natural and primary, is what we call the unitive aspect of the sexual act. On the other hand is something equally grandiose in the given the creation of a new life called fecundation aspect of the sexual act. These aspects influence the intimate moment in which a couple has to make the decision to use a contraceptive or not. Women’s and couples may have different and personal reasons to use them. Each of those reasons have driven the development of the modern contraceptive technology, which can be used for everyone. The use or not of these contraceptive methods should be respected, as the rights of persons or human rights. The woman may decide the time of pregnancy and the number of the same, separating the sexual aspects of the generative or fecundation and, so as not to lose the enjoyment of sexuality, but at the same time do not have the disadvantage of a pregnancy that would interfere in their quality of life according to their personal goals. The advances in science and technology are achievements that should be used to achieve the desires of the individual. That is, if...
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...31 Intersection between Shari' a and Reproductive and/or Sexual Health and Human Rights OLAIDE ABBAS GBADAMOSI* Shari 'a has become an important feature of the legal system of the Muslim world with its attendant implications for reproductive health and human rights. Like other religious doctrines, Islam has been used to legitimize conflicting positions on gender and reproductive choice. In some cases, women were being denied rights by those who claimed to be acting in the name of 'Islamic' laws. some of which are incompatible with internationally recognized human rights. This article identifies selected sexual and reproductive health issues at the intersection ofreproductive rights and Shari 'a e.g. adultery (zina), inheritance, child marriages, polygny, and violence against women and considers how their shared concerns may prompt actions leading to the elimination of religious and cultural barriers imposed by Shari 'a which impede the implementation of international legal frameworks and consensus documents on reproductive rights. Nigeria is selected as a case study on the nature of implementation of Shari 'a law and reproductive rights. The article calls for more progressive interpretations of Islamic law to be codified in legislative reforms and/or seek to interpret Islamic law in harmony with international human rights standards and calls for the implementation of Shari 'a that would promote respect for human rights. J believe that if Islam is interpreted and applied correctly...
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...in a pregnancy free adolescence. This messages about abstinence are more likely to work if they are delivered to teens when they are still young and not sexually active. A strong abstinence message should highlight important values underlying such as responsibility, self-control, self-respect, and respect for others. The messages should not fear based because teens are more likely to respond to positive messages about abstinence. Scare tactics may turn them off, preventing them from practicing skills that would keep them safe. The effectiveness of the program can be enhanced when we seek the advice of teens about how they should provide services. Ensure confidentiality of reproductive health services therefore all service providers and doctors should be bound by the confidentiality clause to reduce stigma for of all women who access sexual and reproductive health services. Personal counselling should be given negative pregnancy tests as it is a great opportunity to offer teens in-depth counselling to prevent future pregnancies. Teenage prevention programs should involve teenage boys and men who share equal responsibility as they are often overlooked. As there is no evidence to support effectiveness of Sexual Reproductive Health Education (SRHE) in...
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