BARMM issues fatwa on reproductive health

MANILA, Philippines—An advisory council of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has issued a fatwa, a Islamic ruling, on how to implement government’s reproductive health program.

The Regional Darul Ifta (Islamic House of Opinion) issued the ruling to ensure that reproductive health and family planning programs in the region are in harmony with the teachings of Islam, BARMM Health Minister Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan said.

“The fatwa released on Tuesday shall guide Muslim communities on proper family planning and on how to ensure their reproductive health are implemented according to Islam,” Dipatuan said.

The fatwa, an Arabic term on Islamic ruling that must be observed by every Muslim, includes an expanded program on immunization.

Dipatuan said the ruling was a result of a series of public consultations conducted by the Ministry of Health across the autonomous region.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim said he wanted to ensure Muslim families have the freedom to decide on the health services they receive.

The health ministry also introduced an expanded program on immunizations in the BARMM.

“We will make sure the immunization is halal (permissive) because halal in Islam is what is good on human beings,” Ebrahim said.

The BARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, Lamitan and 63 barangays of North Cotabato.