NAPC YS Statement of Support for RPRH Law, Calling a Stop to Misinformation
We, the Youth and Students Sectoral Council of the National Anti-Povery Commission assembled by virtue of Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act of 1998 (RA 8425), representing youth and students organizations from all over the country reiterate our united stand in support of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (RA 10354), with the strong belief that:
- Every people should enjoy the fullness of life;
- Universal Access to health services should be ensured by the state;
- Young people are directly affected by health-related concens such as teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortion, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, HIV-AIDS, among others.
We further support the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act (RA 10354), with particular provisions that:
Ensure the healthy condition of the people in particular the poor, disadvantage, and marginalized sectors of the society;
Promotes maternal health and addresses the high maternal and infant mortality rates;
Give the people proper and tailor-fitted RH related information and education;
Develop a complehensive RH Education curriculum for young people;
Prevent young people from acquiring Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV-AIDS from risky sexual behaviors through education;
Provide employment opportunities for medical related graduates;
We appeal to the Catholic Church and the critics of the law to stop falsifying and misrepresenting the provisions of the law, desist from using religious influence in spreading misinformation and demonizing advocates and champions of the RPRH Law.
We call on the youth and students to engage and take lead in factual and productive discussions and debates to ensure meaningful and efficient implementation of the law.
We enjoin our fellow youth and students to use as one of the criteria in supporting candidates for the 2013 elections their track record in promoting universal health, including responsible parenthood and reproductive health, among other legislations and advocacies that advance the welfare of the marginalized poor.
Signed this 28th of February in the Year of Our Lord 2013 in San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines
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