Editorial: DOH’s informed choice stance

THE Department of Health (DOH) adopting an “informed choice” stance relative to the nagging reproductive health (RH) issue appears sound.

To recall, an RH bill drew strong opposition from many sectors, particularly the Catholic Church.

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Moves for the passage of the bill sparked animosity between public health workers and vanguards of Catholic morality, although the electoral campaign early this year broke the momentum of the conflict.

Besides, other issues came into focus, such as divorce and same sex marriage, matters that demanded the attention of the Church more than birth control and condom use.

In fact, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal issued some two weeks ago a statement against divorce and same sex union. The stand was unequivocal: “Never.”

Thus, there is a better chance for the RH bill to win a measure of support from the leader of the Catholic Church under the current health secretary than the push for divorce and same sex marriage.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona earlier declared that he is pro-choice on the RH issue.

Ona prefers to “give the public all the information they need in deciding whether they will use natural or artificial contraceptives, or decide if they would smoke or not.”

In a media briefing in Malacañang the other day, Ona expressed the belief that couples should have an informed choice about reproductive health before they select the family planning method to use.

This means that DOH will extend all the said information the couples may need.

Note that the health secretary under the previous administration met the Church head-on on the issue, with the DOH promoting the use of artificial contraceptives, along with distribution of condoms in support of its anti-Aids campaign.

Meanwhile, Ona reserves the same “informed choice” stand for smoking, making the individual assume responsibility for his health.

The stand has opened a neutral ground where the position of the Church and the government could meet.

Perhaps they can join hands to guide our citizenry on the matter of assuming responsibility for their own life and survival.