Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Melinda Gates laud SC’s decision on RH bill

DAVAO CITY- Melinda Gates, the wife of billionaire-philanthropist Bill Gates congratulated the Philippine Government  on the upholding of the Responsible and Reproductive Health Law.

“The passage and enactment of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law is a testament to your courage and to your unwavering support and commitment to women’s health and empowerment.” Reads the excerpt of Melinda Gates’ letter to President Benigno Aquino III sent last April.

Melinda Gates who along with her husband Microsoft mogul Bill was named as Time Magazine’s Person of the Year in 2005, founded one of the world’s biggest private foundations- the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of their  main advocacies is reproductive and maternal health .

The Philippine Supreme Court declared the Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Act Law as constitutional last April 8 2014, the law was signed by President Benigno Aquino III in 2012. Several groups opposing law filed petition in the Supreme Court to challenge its constitutionality.

The RH law mandates public health facilities to provide full access to reproductive health services and public schools to teach age-appropriate reproductive health education to students.

“Through this law and the sustained efforts of the national and local Filipino governments, women’s reproductive health needs will now be met with available, accessible and quality reproductive health services.” Melinda Gates said in her letter.

In the letter Gates reiterated the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation support of the Philippine Government’s effort on reproductive and mental health.

“Our foundation is deeply committed to ensuring women and girls in the world’s poorest countries have access to quality reproductive health information, services and supplies with their beliefs and culture.” Reads part of Gates’ letter. (PIA/RG Alama)

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