AMID the debate over the proposed Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa yesterday said he does not see the need for such a law to be passed.
In a radio interview, Herbosa said he believes the existing Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 is adequate to address the problem of teenage pregnancy.
“We have the Reproductive Health (RH) Law in place. We don’t need to pass a new law,” said Herbosa, adding what is needed is to “properly implement (the) provisions of the RH law.”
Specifically, the health chief said the RH law provides programs similar to that in the proposed Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Program.
“It is indeed important that all are educated on the problem of unplanned pregnancies,” said Herbosa.
He also said such a law is no longer necessary if adequate programs on reproductive health are in place.
“As a doctor, I believe not everything needs to be made into a law. What is important is people are informed where to seek professional help and get the proper advice,” said Herbosa.
He said the Department of Health, with its Bagong Urgent Care Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Centers, can provide reproductive health services, especially to teenagers and adolescents.
The DOH is also looking at opening more Adolescent Clinics to help teenagers handle unplanned pregnancies, Herbosa added.
He said the DOH Wellness Clinics in SM malls will also be open to provide free consultations to teenagers.
Earlier, several senators withdrew their support for the Senate Bill (SB) 1979 or the proposed Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act.
This after several groups raised concerns over its provisions such as removing parental consent from the CSE, and allowing adolescents “easy” access to health facilities, goods, and services.
