Will I March to EDSA? [RH Bill Stance]

I'm writing this now since there is/there will be in a short moment i think, a rally against this bill on the famous EDSA. Not until recently I didn't concern myself (I didn't even have a full knowledge about it, just tidbits from the newspapers that I've read) so much about the RH Bill thinking that I don't have anything to do with it but a wake up call has been made. Just a while ago, Tita Jovie asked me if I would like to come with and join her as she was about to go and participate in the rally against the RH Bill and I didn't think twice saying that I can't but I didn't expect her to ask me as to why I won't come. She asked me "Why? Are you pro-RH?" and I was left stunned and my brain desperately searched for an answer and I could only come up with a small "I'm not pro but also I'm not against it" and I thought the topic was already dropped. Suddenly she told me this "The answer should just be a YES or a NO" and I know immediately what she meant by that. She continued saying that I should also concern myself with the issue because it'll actually affect my future, my country's future at large and with that she left. I was compelled to actually read what the whole RH Bill (full text here RH Bill) was about. So here I go with my own brief opinion with this bill.

As I was reading the first the Sections and the clauses therein of the House Bill 4244 with the full title of "The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development Health of 2011" simply the RH Bill, I was left wondering as to why everyone I know seems to be against it when I couldn't find a flaw in the text but as I was going to the middle and ending sections, I understood why. There were three clauses that does not actually favor my opinion. 

Section 3. Guiding Principles

(i) While this Act recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law, the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner;

This section is kind of giving me a hint, if not directly, that if one has actually gone and asked for an abortion and had complications, then he/she can still get help. Isn't this actually saying that we can go and seek for abortion because in the end we'll still be cared for? As I Catholic, I still and won't ever support abortion and this clause gives me a cause to be worried as to how abortion will be perceived when/if this Bill is approved.

RH Bill Editorial Cartoon (credits: rodmagaru.com)

Section 28. Prohibited Acts

(2) Refuse to perform legal and medically-safe reproductive health procedures on any person of legal age on the ground of lack of third party consent or authorization. In case of married persons, the mutual consent of the spouses shall be preferred. However in case of disagreement, the decision of the one undergoing the procedure shall prevail. In the case of abused minors where parents or other family members are the respondent, accused or convicted perpetrators as certified by the proper prosecutorial office or court, no prior parental consent shall be necessary; and

(3) Refuse to extend health care services and information on account of the person’s marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, personal circumstances, or nature of work;Provided, That, the conscientious objection of a healthcare service provider based on his/her ethical or religious beliefs shall be respected; however, the conscientious objector shall immediately refer the person seeking such care and services to another healthcare service provider within the same facility or one which is conveniently accessible who is willing to provide the requisite information and services; Provided, further, That the person is not in an emergency condition or serious case as defined in RA 8344 otherwise known as "An Act Penalizing the Refusal of Hospitals and Medical Clinics to Administer Appropriate Initial Medical Treatment and Support in Emergency and Serious Cases".

Again, this two clauses gives me the impression of legalizing Abortion in one way or another especially in Line 1 of Clause 2. It merely gives someone a choice on whether to have abortion or not on a basis of having some complications thereafter but Section 3 just gives them the assurance that they will be okay after abortion so why not go on and have it done. 

Having all my comments made on all those sections, I guess I'll have to leave you with my vote on the RH bill and that would be a BIG NO. This isn't because I came from a Catholic school nor because of my religion. This is my own choice having been born in a family where a life is something that is being cared for and treasured. If not for these clauses, I would've voted a yes for it. I'm glad Tita Jovie told me to actually read it and be enlightened with no bias from pros and antis as to what this law/bill has to offer. And with dignity I will stand by (thankfully) the opinion of my own Alma Matter and of course, those people that had never been wrong about the things that they stand for. I feel blessed right now. Another realization to impart, if one wants improvement on one's own country then he should concern himself with the issues that plague the nation and have the guts to voice out his opinion and I think I did just that. If there will be another opportunity to show my stance on this matter then I YES, I WILL PROUDLY BE IN EDSA shouting NO TO RH BILL.