SC needs only common sense to know dangers of contraceptives – Justice Abad

Contraceptives. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Can the Supreme Court determine whether the Reproductive Health law endangers the lives of women and child?

The widely debated law guarantees universal access to method of contraception, fertility control, sexual education and maternal care.

Associate Justice Roberto Abad said the law compels massive use of drugs that will prevent fertilization and conception.

However, after reading a medical journal, he said even manufacturers of contraceptives admit that contraceptives “are not altogether safe.”

“Contraceptives attack healthy ovaries to make them dysfunctional. Court needs only common sense, not medical experts to know this,” Abad said.

However, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said the Supreme Court cannot determine if a drug is safe or not.

“The Supreme Court would not be experts on technical matters such as safety of drugs,” Carpio said.

The next oral argument on RH Law is set on Aug. 6

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