The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on Wednesday questioned the “true intent” of a Baguio school’s policy requiring its female students to undergo pregnancy test.
PCW Chairperson Rhodora Bucoy said they are “equally alarmed of the school memorandum which has gone viral.”
“We question the true intent of the school requirement in the context of the Magna Carta of Women (MCW), which prohibits the expulsion or non-readmission of female students due to pregnancy,” Bucoy said in a statement.
The PCW head said they welcome the investigation of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) into the issue.
READ: CHR starts probe into mandatory pregnancy test at Baguio college
“We will coordinate with CHR, the designated Gender (Ombudsman) under the MCW regarding the outcomes of their investigation and make necessary steps to address the situation,” Bucoy added.
A copy of the controversial memorandum imposing pregnancy test for female students of Pines City Colleges circulated on social media stirred a loud buzz online.
READ: Baguio college implements compulsory pregnancy tests, draws flak online
Part of the memorandum noted that pregnant students must not enroll in courses such as Clinical Dentistry, Roentgenology, Anesthesiology, and Endodontics – subjects that could “endanger both mother and child.”
Despite criticisms, Pines City Colleges has stood by its plan.
READ: Baguio school sticks by its mandatory pregnancy test policy
“We believe it is a policy protective of our students while they are in our care and are deployed to internship programs in hospitals and to clinical practice,” Pines City Colleges pointed out. /kga