The Philippines’ top court has delayed implementation of a controversial law providing free access to contraception and family planning. The Supreme Court’s decision stops implementation of the reproductive health law pending oral arguments on 18 June, a court spokesman said.
President Benigno Aquino signed the law, which took 14 years to pass, on 29 December. But it has been met with opposition from groups like the Catholic Church. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the government would respect the court’s decision, and it was confident about defending the law’s merits. Petitioners who questioned the law’s legality welcomed the court’s decision.
Supporters of the law, however, say it should be implemented because it will help reduce poverty and maternal mortality in a country with the highest birth rate in the region. More than 80% of the population in the Philippines is Catholic, and the Church has had the support of many politicians and pro-life groups.
I – Word Understanding
Delayed – be late or slow
Implementation – the act of accomplishing some aim
Controversial – argumentative
Contraception – the deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy
Reproductive health – health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being
Oral arguments – spoken presentations to a judge or appellate court by a lawyer
Defending – attempt to justify
Petitioners – persons who pleads with governmental institution for a legal remedy
Legality – obligations imposed by law
Reduce poverty – decrease poorness
Maternal mortality – the death of a woman during or shortly after a pregnancy
Pro-life groups – an organization that protects human embryos and fetuses
II – Have your say
1.The Church has implied that birth control is the equivalent of abortion, which remains illegal in the country.
2.This law corrupts Philippine culture, mainly the emphasis we put on family values and marriage, taking care of children and parenting.
