Why I’m Opposed To The Reproductive Health Bill (Part 3)

photo courtesy of TARIQ-M

Arguments Commonly Used By The Reproductive Health Bill Supporters 

•  “The Catholic Church does nothing (or very little) to address the problem of poverty in the country.”

It’s everyone’s responsibility to help alleviate the suffering of their countrymen, not just the government nor the church’s. While all faithful are called to perform works of mercy (feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, etc.), we must remember that our Mother Church’s main mandate is to save souls – and this is exactly what she’s doing by opposing the bill.

• “Passing the RH Bill is essential for the country’s economic growth.”

Unless problems such as rampant corruption and lack of discipline are first addressed, any development would be improbable. But even granting (without accepting) that the bill is vital in solving the country’s economic woes, should we pay for it with our souls? The church has always taught us that “the end does not justify the means”. Pope Paul VI, preaching against the use of contraceptives, stated the same in Humanae Vitae: “it is never lawful, even for the gravest reasons, to do evil that good may come of it.” (18)

• “RH Bill promotes responsible sexual behavior.”

A closer look into the issue indicates the opposite; contraceptives are used by people who want to have sex minus the responsibility. In this way, both men and women are treated as mere objects and sex is viewed as merely an activity for one’s own pleasure. Thus, a culture of contraception actually promotes sexual irresponsibility and promiscuity.

• “RH Bill has nothing to do with abortion.”

While the bill states that abortion is a crime, it contradicts itself by promoting the use of abortifacients such as IUD. Even in ideologies espoused we can see a connection, for we often hear supporters of the bill claim that “RH bill is about freedom of choice” – and once again we hear the misuse of the word “choice”, also a favorite misdeed of the “Pro-Choice/Abortion” movement. Some supporters even go so far as to call for the legalization of abortion in the country. Such acts give further credence to fears that the bill is merely the camel’s nose and once passed, abortion, its body, will soon follow inside the tent. What does abortion have to do with contraception? Everything, for abortion is simply backup contraception.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4