Tatad: RH law is genocide

Former Senator Francisco Tatad AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Genocide is any act that prevents birth such as Republic Act (RA) No. 10354, also known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (RH Law), former Senator Francisco Tatad told the Supreme Court Tuesday.

In his opening remark for the oral argument before the high court, he said RH law redefines the purpose of marriage.

He said it denies the basic right of married couple to procreate on their own free will.

“They must practice birth control or else suffer the consequences. That is not freedom of choice at all. That is not protecting the family as foundation of the nation,” Tatad said.

“That is not equally protecting the right of the mother and right of the unborn and this is simply putting the family under state supervision and control…Have we become a democracy only to submit to state supervision and control,” Tatad said.

Tatad is the first among the petitioners to speak before the high court.

Implementation of the RH Law has been stopped by the high court last March l9 and will last for 120 days. The 120 days will lapse on July 16.

Lawyer Maria Concepcion Noche is currently arguing before the high court.