Fact #4. Pregnancy is not included in the top causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines.
From the Department of Health’s National Objectives for Health: Philippines 2005-2010 Report:
Wouldn’t funds be put to better use addressing these more important health concerns? Notice that these are very often lifestyle-related and/or contagious diseases, unlike pregnancy.
The DOH already has a framework in place to reduce maternal mortality. Plus we have:
Republic Act #10028: AN ACT EXPANDING THE PROMOTION OF BREASTFEEDING, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7600, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “AN ACT PROVIDING INCENTIVES TO ALL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE HEALTH INSTITUTIONS WITH ROOMING-IN AND BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”
Administrative Order #2010-0014: Administration of Life-Saving Drugs and Medicine by Midwives to Rapidly Reduce Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality
Administrative Order #2010-0010: Revised Policy on Micronutrient Supplementation to Support Achievement of 2015 MDG Targets To Reduce Underfive and Maternal Deaths and Address Micronutrient Needs of Other Population Groups
Here’s a comprehensive list.
So you may ask, why do we need to pass the RH Bill? DOH programs, though mandated by Executive Order, are voluntary. If the RH bill becomes law, all citizens will be compelled to comply with everything that’s in it, even if they have objections. The RH Bill will also ensure that funding will be allocated for what pro-RH folks consider “essential medicines”. Is this what Filipinos really want?
Filipinos for Life 
[…] http://filipinosforlife.com/2011/04/09/into-the-light-protecting-health-and-lives-of-mothers/ My Opinion: Everyone is getting confused and pretty soon the issues are going to be distorted. The bottom line is to save the lives of the already living and to get this country back on it’s feet. No other issues on this bill should be addressed. Church stay of out government business, government stay out of church business. That’s how it should be. Oh, and I still think that Manny Pacquiao only got elected because he has money. He has very little clue about what he is doing and I don’t think he has the smarts to catch on. texaninthephilippines.comAbout UJ Born in Connecticut but raised in Texas. So I'm a transplanted Texan, but I have been planted deep. I enjoy computers, Empire Builder rail games, dominoes, Asian women and fantasy football. My favorite music is classic rock (late 60' to early 80's) and country. Favorite singer,sports team and actor: Hank Williams Jr, Dallas Cowboys and John Wayne. […]