Medical expert leads panel of speakers in RH sympo

MANILA, August 9, 2011 ̶  The doctor who led the 1990s investigation of a vaccination program—targeted at Filipinos—that secretly administered the anti-pregnancy chemical HCG to thousands of women of reproductive age, was among the speakers from Filipinos for Life in a symposium on House Bill 4244 or the Reproductive Health (RH) bill in a Manila parish.

Reynaldo J. Echavez, M.D., FPCC, provided the medical perspective in the three-hour activity which tackled the various aspects of the bill for the parishioners of the Holy Face of Jesus Shrine in Quiapo, Manila.

Speaking to some 100 members of the Crusaders of the Holy Face of Jesus, the cardiologist shed more light on the side effects of contraceptives, showing studies that establish the link between heart disease, cancer and other serious—and sometimes fatal—physical conditions, and contraceptive use, specifically the Pill.

The P3-billion RH bill seeks to mandate taxpayer-funded procurement and distribution of the “full range” of birth control drugs, devices and services, among other provisions, generating widespread opposition from family advocates, child development experts and faith-based groups nationwide.

Echavez also pointed out the dubious nature of the legislative measure, citing the absence of the principle of ethics in the bill’s text.

Jose Descallar, Buhay Party-list pro-life advocacy staff, gave the participants an overview of the process undergone by a proposed legislative measure in the Lower House.

Descallar urged participants to make their presence felt and join pro-lifers in filling the halls of the Congress plenary hall when asked by a participant, “Ano po ang magagawa naming ngayon na alam na namin ang kahalagahan ng labanan ang RH Bill?”

Anthony James Perez, Filipinos for Life founder, delved on population issues, showing the repercussions of a reproductive health law on demographics.

The symposium ended with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Hans D. Magduralang.

The priest emphasized that now is the time to protect life.  (Raymond Bandril)