More Filipinos question birth-control taboo

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20090310/wl_csm/opillbill


The battle over a ground-breaking reproductive health bill is heating up in the Philippines, a country where the influential Roman Catholic Church's opposition to artificial birth control has long held sway.

A measure to provide government-funded family planning, contraceptives, and sex education has made its way onto the House floor for debate – the furthest any such draft legislation has ever reached.

The bill's passage isn't certain. But proponents say its traction so far shows that the political clout of the Roman Catholic Church is on the wane.

"The influence of the Catholic Church has steadily weakened, just like in other countries," says Congressman Edcel Lagman, the bill's key House sponsor, in a phone interview. "People are now more independent in their attitudes and their beliefs, and the ultraconservatism of the church doesn't jibe with the progressive ideas of the people."

Backers of the bill say it's needed to prevent illegal abortions and help curb poverty by addressing overpopulation. But the church sees artificial birth control as immoral and has long prevented any efforts to provide government funding for such methods. It only supports "natural" birth control, such as the "rhythm method," by which women avoid having sex on the most fertile days of their monthly cycle.

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"The fact that this bill has gotten so much momentum indicates that politicians are no longer scared by the church's threats," says Ramon San Pascual, director of the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. "Some cultural change is taking place."

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The bill's proponents cite data showing that as many as 500,000 women have induced abortions in the Philippines each year, with some 80,000 going to the hospital due to complications. They say the bill would reduce abortions by providing better access to family planning resources.
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hope it passes. a great weight will lift off the shoulders of the women and girls.

note: "The fact that this bill has gotten so much momentum indicates that politicians are no longer scared by the church's threats,"

good news

From the Catholic Church, the better off they'll be.

TlalocW

promotes suffering of women and children throughout the world. It is about time they loose the rest of their choke hold on humanity.

Of course, with birth control there may be fewer alter boys for the priesthood to "enjoy".