RH advocates wary of legalizing abortion

Even the supporters of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill in the House of Representatives are wary about enacting a law allowing safe and legal abortion. In a text message to GMANews.TV, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, one of the authors of the RH bill, said she will have to read the proposal first and the context of the definition of "safe and legal abortion." She said if abortion is for medical purposes or medically indicated for the survival of the mother with the fetus having no chances of survival, it is alright. "But if it is abortion by convenience on the part of the mother who had unwanted or unplanned pregnancy, then it is not a reason to legalize abortion. We have to protect the life of the unborn," Garin explained. Another RH bill advocate, Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus said they recognize the gravity of the situation where women die from abortion and it should be addressed. "But the more important bill that should be passed is the RH bill where the emphasis is more on comprehensive women’s health, where abortion can be prevented," she said. She said in special cases where abortion is the last resort to save the life and sanity of the mother, as in the case of rape victims, it should be legalized. However, the RH bill should be prioritized, De Jesus reiterated. Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara said although he supports some provisions in RH bill, he is not in favor of legalizing abortion. "I think it may alter behavior in unfavorable ways especially by encouraging irresponsible behavior," Angara said in a separate text message to GMANews.TV. Marikina Rep. Romero Federico Quimbo, for his part, said he will strongly oppose any form of abortion except one that is absolutely needed to save the life of a mother. "Abortion is murder," he said. Alagad Rep. Rrodante Marcoleta said: “I don’t think the numbers – no matter how big—can justify any legislation that could legalize abortion in this country." On Monday, reproductive health and women’s rights advocates called on the Congress to pass a law legalizing abortion. Not the right solution In the Senate, Senator Loren Legarda admitted that the rising number of deaths due to abortion must be addressed, but quickly added she wasn't sure if legalizing abortion would be the right solution. "It's very sad. I'm not in favor of abortion but deaths due to abortion must be addressed... but I'm not sure if legalizing it is a solution," Legarda told GMANews.TV on Tuesday. Abortion advocates cited a study that indicates more than half a million Filipino women induce abortions every year. "That's a point of consideration, maraming namamatay sa (many die because of) unsafe abortion.. It's a sad state," she said. Legarda noted, however, that the proposal to legalize abortion must be studied carefully because of several consideratons. "Una hindi ligal ang abortion sa ating bansa. Pangalawa ay baka hindi tugma sa ating mga paniniwala (First of all, abortion is illegal in the Philippines. Second, the idea does not fit our beliefs)," she said. She likewise said that she has yet to encounter a Senate bill with the same proposal.— Kim Tan/ VVP, GMANews.TV