Manila, Philippines, Aug 19, 2011 / 01:07 am
Catholics are again planning protests and rallies against the proposed reproductive health bill. Catholic Church leaders say there are only “very slim” chances of further dialogue with the bill’s backer, President Benigno Aquino, who has made it a priority.
“We will definitely hold conferences, seminars and marches against the RH bill,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga.
The goal of the “diocesan-wide campaign” is to protect the sanctity of human life and the family, he told CBCP News.
Backers of the reproductive health say it would address population growth and help alleviate poverty. However, critics oppose its use of government funds to provide free contraceptives, its requirements that schools hold sex education classes and that contraceptive information be distributed in public and private schools, in part because these measures would undermine morality.