DOH poised to implement RH law

Wikipedia photo of oral contraceptives

MANILA, Philippines – In line with the implementation of the Reproductive Health (RH) law, the Department of Health (DOH) is poised to distribute free artificial contraceptives come the end of November 2014.

This was disclosed yesterday by Health Undersecretary Janette Garin, who also pointed out that under the RH law, artificial contraceptives are to be distributed for free to those in need of them.

Garin added that the distribution is hinged on the release of the certification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as to which of the artificial contraceptives are non-abortifacient.

She noted that not all artificial contraceptives being used in the country will be certified as non-abortifacient, and that birth control pills and contraceptive implants will most probably be part of the initial batch to receive FDA certification.

She likewise noted that the DOH has asked the FDA to prioritize the certification for those contraceptives to be given to public health centers for distribution.

“When the certification comes out by November, we can go on a full campaign and implementation of the RH,” Garin said.

The Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 was finally passed by the Supreme Court in April of this year; after a long, drawn out battle based primarily on moral and religious issues.