Solons debate effect of oral contraceptives

Two lawmakers, who also happen to be medical doctors, argued during plenary session of the House of Representatives over the effects of oral contraceptive pills on women’s reproductive system. Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez said he is opposed to House Bill 4244 or the consolidated Reproductive Health bill because pills cause the lining of the uterus to become thinner, preventing the implantation of fertilized egg cells. Golez claimed this makes pills abortifacients [or causing abortion]. He said the packaging of oral contraceptives do not inform women of this effect. However, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, disputes Golez’s assertion by arguing that there have been several medical experiments which showed pills “have very little effect on and do not hinder implantation." Garin also explained that the thinning of the endometrium — the mucus membrane lining the womb — happens before conception and does not prevent implantation of an egg that has been fertilized during conception. “Kapag numinipis ang endomentrium, it belongs to the pre-conceptual process. The thinning will never prevent implantation," she said. Garin added that she had patients who got pregnant even while taking oral contraceptives. The RH bill debates at the House will resume Wednesday afternoon. — Andreo Calonzo/ELR/VS, GMA News