I found this very concise take on the neverending argument between Church and State on the Philippines' Reproductive Health Bill surprisingly in aljareeza.net.
The bulleted points on the opposing sides' argument seem to understandably baffle 101 East (the aljareeza contributor), in the same way that it confounds this blogger and perhaps many other thinkers in the Philippines.
"On this edition of 101 East we look at one of Asia's most densely populated countries, the Philippines, and ask if the Catholic Church is affecting the nation's health," concludes the blog author. And I believe this is an eye-opening question to the Catholic congregation (if not the staunch church officials who fight for natural birth control) and to the Filipinos as a whole.
As a Catholic and as a member of the thinking society, I have found that there are no easy takes on the RH Bill. On one hand, the medical and scientific fields are taking the practical steps on controlling our burgeoning population. This is imperative because, as 101 East has pointed out, the UN has projected that by 2025 our country will not have enough resources to feed the mouths in our nation. On the other hand, we cannot just be tolerant about sexual practices (premarital sex, teenage pregnancies, illicit relationships) that risk one's mental health and more glaringly, risks unwanted or unplanned pregnancies.
But to get a sound message through, there has to be proper and humane sex education which should not be devoid of emotional processing of the group or individual.
Both the secular and religious sectors cannot be simplistic on their cries for or against the RH Bill. And sadly, to speak up to the Church, the leaders have to create a better strategy than their gung-ho, "no-can-do" approach in fighting for their cause on the natural way, if they are to win people to their cause. Although the Church has the people's best interest in mind, the former has to remember they are up against media (which, in reality, marks the signs of the times). Sadly, the Church's staunch approach on the matter is driving many people away.
I understand both sides of the debate and find advantages and disadvantages on each side's points. It doesn't take a scientist to see the practicality of the non-religious point of view. It's a matter of choice and responsible health care, they say. The church on the other hand, says that sex is to be used for procreation within the sacrament of marriage. It's a matter of taking responsibility not only of one's body, but of one's soul, they say.
Here are my thoughts to close this monologue (and how I wish I had someone to literally, verbally talk this over with right now): While the Church will always be an influential part of Philippine culture, and while it will adhere to its unwavering stand on family planning, the debate will continue to be a hot item until someone in the high position will make a stand and defy fear of excommunication and stamp the RH Bill: PASSED!
In the meantime, we, as Filipinos who aspire to uplift our countries, can only do our best in the sphere of our influence, which are the home, the workplace and the communities we belong. We can integrate responsible sex education in our daily conversations with the children we care for and the youth who silently seek our guidance.
*** Practical sex education advice:
1. To small children: Your private parts are private. Nobody has the right to touch your private parts except when it is being washed. Learn how to wash your private parts by yourself. If anyone touches your private parts or tells jokes about your private parts, report it to your "safe other" (parents, teachers, guidance counselor, or someone you trust). In the same way, you have no right to touch or make fun of anyone else's private parts.
2. To prepubescents: Your bodies are growing and changing. These are how your bodies will change. Take care of your bodies. If you have any questions about your bodily changes, do not hesitate to ask your "safe other". (Make sure you distinguish that a safe other in this case does not mean their impressionable peers, but adults who are not sexually threatening or intimidating or even attractive [?]. In short, someone they look up to as a mentor and guide.)
3. To adolescents: Do not make questions on sex a taboo. Answer questions head on while remain being honest about your feelings on the matter. (i.e. if you feel uncomfortable about the topic, say it outright and suggest a specific person more suited to answer the teenager's question. People, children included, will always appreciate honesty.). Since there will always be news on rape or sexual assault on the news (what a sad reality!), it could be an educative moment, not only on the scientific and legal aspect but in the spiritual facet as well.
Other tips: Always keep your ears open on your children's questions, comments, and even their fleeting asides. Contrary to popular belief, sex education starts early and starts at home. It is not only about condoms, pills and babies, but about the whole human anatomy and our emotional and spiritual make up as well. We are not only creatures of soil but are souls too.
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