An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) respects the Department of Health’s (DOH) move to appeal the use of contraceptive implants under the reproductive health (RH) program.
Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP’s Permanent Committee on Public Affairs, however maintained it was also the right of prolife groups to fight for the sacredness of life.
“No legal maneuverings can deter life advocates from pursuing its goal to protect life from the moment of conception until the end,” he said.
On Monday, the DOH appealed to the Supreme Court to lift the restraining order (TRO) on the distribution of contraceptive products Implanon and Implanon NXT to the public.
In a 47-page motion, the DOH also asked the high court to reconsider its ruling which struck down the certifications and recertifications issued by the Food and Drug Administration on 77 contraceptive drugs and devices, including Implanon and Implanon NXT.
By 2017, 60 percent of these certifications will expire and will no longer be available.
Implanon and Implanon NXT are thin, matchstick-like rods inserted under the skin, which release hormones that prevent pregnancy for up to three years.
Another proreproductive health group, The Forum for Family Planning and Development has also expressed its support to the government’s call for the full implementation of the RH law.
The Forum president Ben de Leon said the TRO needed to be lifted immediately. “If not, there won’t be enough available options for parents to plan the size of their families,” he said.
“Without the full implementation of the RH law, it would be difficult to increase awareness, especially among the youth and the women of the various family planning options they can avail and warn them of the many health risks that come along with teenage, and unplanned pregnancies.” De Leon added.