Katrina Yap's Reaction to RH Bill Issue

KATRINA YAP

Just when you think that the Philippines has enough controversies, yet another rises to split the Filipino people – the Reproductive Health Bill.

Initially, I was against the promulgation of this bill, but after reading the bill itself, I am enlightened. While most Catholics believe that this bill is a direct offense against our religion, I choose to think otherwise.

First of all, the Reproductive Health Bill does not promote abortion. In fact, there is no mention of the word in the document. Instead, it promotes family planning which is entirely different from abortion. Although the bill legalizes and promotes the use of contraceptives, this bill does not promote the sexual act itself, or make it easier to participate in the said act.

Secondly, I think that this bill is the simplest and most efficient way to solve our country’s overpopulation crises. This will not only help the government, but also the Filipino families.

Finally, I believe that the RH Bills give hope to our people by giving them the right to choose. To choose to protect oneself from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. To choose to have a better quality of life for the children they already have. To choose to practice their rights, especially for women.

I am a devout Christian but I believe that the Church has taken this issue way out of context. The Church must take into consideration that the bill will not cause sin – it is the people who sin.