TRO blamed for RH woes

The Supreme Court’s continuing injunction against contraceptives may lead to a rise in maternal deaths, unwanted pregnancies and even abortions, according to reproductive health (RH) advocates.

“At least 14 women per day die due to childbirth complications, and many more Filipino women will face premature deaths; women with unintended pregnancy will undergo unwanted abortions if the Supreme Court will not lift the TRO (temporary restraining order) it issued against contraceptive drugs and devices,” said Benjamin De Leon, president of The Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc.

Denying access to contraceptives was “very unfair, unjust and cruel” and could lead to unwanted pregnancies and to abortion, De Leon said.

“It is about the right to choose whether to use natural or artificial family planning methods,” he said.

The Department of Health earlier called on the public to join efforts to convince the Supreme Court to lift the TRO by signing a petition.

Reproductive health advocates also asked the high court to lift a June 2015 TRO, and allow the Health department to buy and distribute contraceptive implants.