Chapter 17:

The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health

Law Of 2012
I.Description of the RPRH Law
Republic Act No. 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive health (RPRH)
Law of 2012 is described as “An act providing for national policy on responsible parenthood
and reproductive health.”
Enacted on December 21, 2012, the RPRH Law is " a legislation that guarantees and
enables measures for the sexual and reproductive rights of women, men, young people, and
families through comprehensive and accessible reproductive healthcare services, including
family planning" (Department of Health 2016,p,5).
"Universal access to responsible parenthood services and reproductive health care are
indispensable building blocks to the sustainable growth and development of the Philippines.
"It's importance, particularly in helping Filipino mothers survive pregnancy and childbirth,
giving couples and individuals the tools to make informed choices about their families, and
contributing to the improvement of the sexual and reproductive health of young people, to the
eradication of gender-based violence, and to the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases,
including HIV/ AIDS, make the RPRH Law a Critical piece of legislation"
It grants the rights of Filipino couples and individuals to choose the timing, spacing and
number of children they want to have, or if they want to have children at all.
II. Important Contents
The law outlined acknowledges and safeguards the fundamental human rights of every
individual, encompassing various aspects such as the family, gender equality, and
reproductive health. It recognizes the sanctity of life, both of the mother and the unborn, from
the moment of conception, ensuring their protection and well-being. Furthermore, it
underscores the importance of gender equality, equity, and the empowerment of women,
aiming to eliminate systemic barriers and promote equal opportunities for all genders.
Marriage is regarded as a vital social institution and the bedrock of the family and society,
emphasizing its role in fostering stable relationships and communities. The law also
advocates for universal access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including
safe and effective methods, devices, and supplies, while ensuring affordability and legality.
Importantly, it seeks to eradicate discriminatory practices that impede individuals' exercise of
their reproductive rights, promoting a more inclusive and just society.
The law encourages openness to life while emphasizing the importance of responsible
parenthood, ensuring that parents bring forth children they can raise in a humane and
nurturing environment. By providing relevant information and education, it empowers
individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family planning.
Overall, the law reflects a commitment to upholding human rights, promoting equality, and
advancing public health and well-being.
III. Guiding Principles
• Guaranteed Right to Free and Informed Decisions
 The RPRH law ensures that individuals have the right to make informed decisions
about their reproductive health, free from coercion or discrimination.
• Respect for Protection and Fulfillment of Reproductive Health and Rights
 The law emphasizes the respect for and protection of individuals' reproductive health
and rights.
• Primacy Given to Effective and Quality Reproductive Healthcare Services
 The law prioritizes the delivery of effective and quality reproductive healthcare
services to the public.
• Provision of Ethnically and Medically Safe, Legal, Accessible, Affordable, Non-
Abortifacient, Effective and Quality Healthcare Services and Supplies
 The law mandates the provision of safe, legal, and quality healthcare services and
supplies as part of basic health care.
• Promotion and Provision of Information and Access to all Methods of Family
Planning
 The law promotes and provides access to all medically safe and legal methods of
family planning.
• Provision of Funding Support Consistent with Needs of Acceptors and Religious
Conviction
 The law ensures that funding support is provided according to the needs of
individuals and respects their religious convictions.
• Promotion of Programs and Resources for Couples to Have the Number of
Children Desired
 The law promotes programs and resources to help couples achieve their desired
number of children
• Giving Priority to the Poor
 The law prioritizes the needs of the poor in accessing reproductive healthcare
services.
• Respect for Individual Preferences
 The law respects the individual preferences of individuals regarding their
reproductive health choices.
• Active Participation of Non-Government Institutions and Other Organizations
 The law encourages the active participation of non-government institutions and other
organizations in promoting reproductive health and rights.
• Care for Post-Abortive, Pregnancy, Labor, and Delivery Complications
 The law mandates the provision of care for complications related to abortion,
pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

• Determination of Family as to Ideal Family Size

  The law supports families in determining their ideal family size by providing
necessary information and resources.

• No Demographic or Population Targets

 The law prohibits setting demographic or population targets in family planning
programs.
• Central Elements of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment
 The law promotes gender equality and women's empowerment in reproductive health
decision-making.

• Use of the Resources of the Country to Serve the Entire Population

 The law emphasizes using the country's resources to serve the entire population while
protecting the life of the unborn.
• Use of the Resources of the Country to Serve the Entire Population
 The law emphasizes using the country's resources to serve the entire population while
protecting the life of the unborn.

• Addressing the Needs of People Throughout Their Life Cycle

 The law addresses the reproductive health needs of individuals throughout their life
cycle
IV. Enactment
• Enacted by the house of the representatives and the senate of the Philippines on
December 19, 2012, the law was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III on
December 21, 2012. After a few months, the Supreme Court issued a Status Quo Ante
Order as a response to the challenge unconstitutionally. On April 8, 2014, the
Supreme Court ruled that the law was "Not unconstitutional" but struck down eight
provisions partially or in full
V. Salient Points in the Supreme Court Decision
• On July 11, 2014, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
released the Pastoral Guidance on the Implementation of the RH Law. It explains the
position of the Catholic Church on reproductive health. The salient points were also
used by the Supreme Court in its decision on the constitutionality of the law and in
striking down eight provisions.
• 1. Contraception is the governing and overarching principle of the RH Law.
• 2. The right to life is grounded on natural law and is inherent in a person, and
therefore, not a creation of, or dependent upon a particular law, custom, or belief.
• 3. Abortifacients are prohibited. An abortifacient is any drug or device that a) induces
abortion, or b) induces the destruction of a fetus inside the mother's womb, or c)
prevents the fertilized ovum to reach and to be implanted in the mother's womb.
• 4. No contraceptive that harms or destroys the life of the unborn from conception or
fertilization can be allowed.
• 5. The sale, dispensation, or distribution of any contraceptive drug or device is done
only by a duly- licensed drugstore or pharmaceutical company with the prescription of
a qualified medical practitioner.
• 6. The inclusion of a particular hormonal contraceptive or intrauterine device by the
National Drug Formulary in the Essential Drug List is only done after it has been
tested, evaluated, and approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and
determined to be safe and non-abortifacient.
• 7. When a healthcare worker objects on the basis of conscience to artificial
contraception, the healthcare worker is not obliged and may refuse to refer a patient to
anyone else from where the contraceptives may be obtained.
• 8. The same rule (in item no. 7) applies to non-maternity specialty hospitals and
hospitals owned and operated by religious groups and healthcare service providers.
• 9. The same rule (in item no. 7) applies to healthcare workers in employ of the
government.
• 10. Conscientious objection does not extend to emergency cases, as when the
mother's life is in danger.
• 11. Both spouses must give their consent for a married person to have an irreversible
form of contraception.
• 12. Even if a minor is a parent or has had a miscarriage, the consent of the parents is
needed to receive family- planning services. The minor may receive information
about the services and undergo emergency surgical procedures in life-threatening
situations.
• 13. Private educational institutions may be excluded from mandatory reproductive
health program of the government on the ground of academic freedom.
• 14. Local government unit employees performing non- medical functions are not
compelled to implement the RH law based on religious or ethical ground
• 15. The RH Law is a mere compilation and enhancement of prior existing
contraceptive and reproductive health laws, but with coercive measures. The
principles of "no abortion" and "no coercion" should be maintained in the adoption of
any family planning method
VI. Implementations
• Full implementation of the RPRH Law started in 2015 with the Department of Health
(DOH) National and Regional Implementation Teams leading other government
agencies, civic society organizations, and developmental partners. Their activities
include developing policies; procuring drugs and supplies for the poor, conducting
trainings to RPRH service workers; generating demand for RPRH services and
essential commodities; educating and mobilizing communities; financing RPRH
programs; and overseeing the implementation of the RPRH Law. An amount of PHP
40.70 billion was allocated to implement the RPRH Law (DOH, 2016). PHP 21.74
billion came from the DOH, PHP 12.80 billion from the Philippine Health Insurance
 Corporation (PhilHealth), and the rest from the Commission on Population
(POPСОМ).
VII. Key Result Areas
• According to the Department of Health (2016), the following are the key areas of the
law that likewise aim to address the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

• “Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition "

 Through the RPRH Law, the Philippines can ensure pregnant mothers, newborns, and
children receive quality maternal, neonatal, and child care so that pregnancy and
childbirth no longer have to be life-threatening events in a woman's life. It helps
create an environment that will help mothers live, not die— while carrying their
babies during childbirth and after birth." Of 1,549,846 estimated live births, 1,200,000
are covered by DOH facilities. The prevalence of underweight children is 21.5%,
while the prevalence of stunting children is 33.4%.
 Issues Related to Reproduction
 Family planning "The law gives Filipino couples and individuals the right to choose
the timing, spacing, and number of children they want to have, or if they want to have
children at all. By focusing responsible parenthood and family planning programs
towards helping the poor and underserved, these measures help prevent Filipinos from
getting locked into poverty." Of 12,543,816 women of reproductive age, 5,493,037
use modern contraceptives.
 Adolescent Sexuality and Reproductive Health
 "The RPRH Law improves the health and well-being of adolescents and young people
by ensuring they have access to appropriate information, life skills, and services that
will enable them to cope with their full development into adulthood. By investing in
their health and well-being, they are empowered to fulfill their potentials and move
the nation forward." According to the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey
(NDHS), 506,082 or one in 10 adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years is either already a
mother or pregnant with her first child. Sexual initiation among adolescent women
before the age of 18 was 19% or over 860,000 adolescents. In addition, 78% of youth
used no form of sexual protection during their first sexual intercourse.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS
 The law aims to ensure services that aid in the prevention, treatment and management
of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV/AIDS. By encouraging members of
key populations to get tested and exercise safe practices, it works to prevent further
transmission, while providing measures to protect the poor and risk of population.

• Gender-Based Violence
 "Eliminating violence against women and children (VAWC) and other forms of
sexual and gender-based violence is a critical component of the RPRH Law... It is a
 violation of a woman's rights to her personhood, mental or physical integrity, and
freedom of movement. It can also take a toll on a woman's health-suffering physical,
sexual, or psychological harm."
 According to the 2013 NDHS, one in five women aged 15 to 49 years has experienced
physical violence since the age of 15. The most common form of violence against
girls is sexual abuse; while among boys, it is physical abuse.
VIII. Areas of Continued Debate and Controversy
Despite the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health
Law, issues still persist. Some of these arguments are as follows:

1. Does contraception reduce the rate of abortion? It may Sound logical that if
fewer children are conceived, then There should be fewer cases of abortion.
However, some statistics do not support this. Why?
In some places where birth control is easy to get, there are still lots of abortions
happening. It’s like having a bike with brakes but still ending up in a few scrapes
confusing, huh? In a study from the Guttmacher Institute, they found that in some
countries where birth control is widely available, there are still high rates of abortions.
It shows that there’s more to the story than just having access to birth control. There
are a few reasons why the statistics don’t always line up with this idea:

• Access and Knowledge:

Sometimes, even when contraception is available, not everyone knows how to use it
effectively or has easy access to it.

• Social and Cultural Factors:

In some communities, there might be stigma or misinformation surrounding
contraception. This can make people hesitant to use it or even access it in the first
place.

• Barriers to Access:
 Even if contraception is technically available, there can still be barriers that prevent
people from getting it. This could include things like cost, lack of nearby healthcare
facilities, or even legal restrictions. So even if someone wants to use contraception,
they might face challenges in actually obtaining it.

• Complex Reasons for Abortions:

It’s important to remember that abortions can happen for a variety of reasons beyond
just unplanned pregnancies. Factors like financial instability, relationship issues, or
health concerns can also play a role. So even if contraception reduces unplanned
pregnancies, it might not eliminate the need for abortions altogether.

2. Should government funds (taxpayer’s money) be used for the widespread

distribution of family planning devices or For improvement of healthcare
facilities, services, and education?
The debate over whether government funds, which come from taxpayers’ money,
should be used for distributing family planning devices or improving healthcare
facilities, services, and education is a significant one. On one side, some argue that
investing in family planning can help prevent unplanned pregnancies and promote
healthier families in the long run. They believe that making contraception more
accessible can have positive effects on public health. On the other hand, there are
those who advocate for prioritizing the improvement of healthcare infrastructure and
services. They argue that investing in hospitals and healthcare facilities can benefit
everyone and address broader health needs in communities.

IX. Summary
• The RPRH Law was enacted in 2012. essentially, it supports women’s reproductive
rights including the right of couples to choose the number of children to have, and
provides health services, methods, devices, and supplies to prevent pregnancy.
• It went through many public debates and revisions because of certain controversial
provisions such as the use of contraceptives and abortifacients, and the education of
children on reproduction.
• It was implemented by the Department of health in 2015 in its five key areas:
(1)maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition; (2)family planning;
(3)adolescent sexuality and reproductive health; (4)sexually transmitted infection
and HIV/AIDS; (5)and gender based violence.
• Following the supreme court’s decision, the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the
Philippines presented its stand which emphasized the prohibition of abortifacients, the
respect for conscientious objection, and the need for consent.
• Controversies persist related to contraception and abortion, use of taxpayer’s money
for contraceptives, and the penal provisions of the law.
GROUP 2: BSN 1-C

REPORTERS:
BUNAO, NAZAREEN L.
AGBAYANI, BLESSY A.
AGLIBUT, SHANEL ANNE B.
DAYAG, KARLA CLAIRE Q.
MABALAY, STEPHANIE L.
FORONDA, MARK AARON T.
BARWELO, DEBORAH B.
MARAYAG, LOVELY JANE A.
PUA, XAVIER REIN-ALEN L.
BALUT, ANGEL CAYETTE M.
ESTIOCO, LEE RIZALYN JOY T.