In an attempt to break a deadlock, the Philippines Senate has removed provisions of its version of the Reproductive Health bill that were thought to promote abortion and contraception. President Benigno Aquino wants the bill passed because he considers it essential to his economic development programme, but the bill remains highly controversial. [Philippine Daily Inquirer] [The Guardian]
Category: ChristianityCatholic
Professors at Catholic university in Philippines support Reproductive Health bill
192 professors of the Jesuit Ateneo de Manila University from its Loyola Schools, School of Medicine and Public Health, Law School and School of Government have signed a declaration affirming support for the controversial Reproductive Health bill. The declaration states that the bill “is a vital piece of legislation that needs to be passed urgently” and asserts that the key principles of the bill are compatible with Catholic social teaching. [Declaration]
Debate ends on Philippines bill
The Philippines House of Representatives has voted to end 19 months of debate on the Reproductive Health Bill. It is expected to pass before the end of the month[Philippine Star]. The World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) intervened in the controversy in the, insisting that the bill should be passed. The country is divided on the bill. It is strongly opposed by the Catholic Church. [Philippine Star]
Catholic bishops in Philippines urge resistance to controversial bill
Philippines House Majority Leader Rep. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II of Mandaluyong has announced that debates will end on the the Reproductive Health bill on 30 July, and there will be a vote in the house on August 7. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is urging Catholics to express their opposition to the bill through protests and novenas. [Philippine Daily Inquirer]
Fortnight for Freedom begins in USA
Catholics in the United States are being asked by their bishops to participate in a “Fortnight for Freedom” in defence of freedom of conscience and religion. The fortnight runs from 21 June, 2012 (the eve of the feast of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher) to 4 July, 2012. The Catholic Association is among the groups that has proposed an action plan for the event. The National Catholic Partnership on Disability has also posted suggestions.