Likhaan's Statement on Senate Bill 2378 (The Reproductive Health Act)

Five years from now, the due date for the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations will be upon us. How many women's lives can we save, how much suffering can we prevent with a Reproductive Health Law?

In five years, if we do nothing, around 23,500 women will die in pregnancy and childbirth¹. In five years, if we do nothing, around 450,000 women will be rushed to hospitals, bleeding and in pain, due to induced abortion complications¹.

How many women's lives can be saved, how much suffering can be prevented? The 15^th Congress, by acting with decisiveness, intelligence and compassion, can help make the lives of hundreds of thousands of women longer and healthier.

A Reproductive Health Law that responds to the health needs and human rights of women, like Senate Bill 2378, can greatly reduce these deaths and suffering.

• Women who do not want to be pregnant will be assisted in attaining their goal through family planning. Around 54% of all pregnancies are unintended¹. Hence, if unplanned pregnancies are prevented, all health risks stemming from pregnancy complications will be eliminated.
• Women who want to be pregnant, or those who unintentionally got pregnant, will be cared for by skilled birth attendants during delivery, and will have emergency obstetric care if complications arise. The international target—successfully done or being done by countries like Thailand and Egypt—is to reduce the risk of maternal death by 75% from 1990 to 2015.
• Women who are hospitalized for induced abortion complications will be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner, in keeping with human rights and ethical standards. This kind of treatment will also facilitate their acceptance of family planning, thereby reducing repeat abortions.
• Age-appropriate reproductive health and sexuality education will empower young women and men to think first before they act, thereby reducing further the incidence and health risks of unintended pregnancies.

How many women's lives can be saved, how much suffering can be prevented? The 15^th Congress, by acting with decisiveness, intelligence and compassion, can help make the lives of hundreds of thousands of women longer and healthier.

All over the country, the debates over a Reproductive Health Law have already been exhaustive and exhausting. We urge the Senate to exercise leadership and decide on the proposed measure now.

18 October 2010