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Manila: Difference between revisions
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In the Philippines, abortion is generally illegal. According to the Philippine Constitution, "Section 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution." It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception."<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_the_Philippines Abortion in the Philippines]</ref> | |||
Abortion is potentially only permitted to save the life of a woman, and this is debatable. While no Filipino laws authorize abortions for women whose lives are endangered, "It may be argued that an abortion to save the mother's life could be classified as a justifying circumstance (duress as opposed to self-defense) that would bar criminal prosecution under the Revised Penal Code. However, this has yet to be adjudicated by the Philippine Supreme Court."<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_the_Philippines Abortion in the Philippines]</ref> In all other cases, such as to preserve physical health, to preserve mental health, rape or incest, fetal impairment, economic or social reasons or upon request, abortion is unquestionably illegal. | |||
Despite the general ban, abortions are still performed in the Philippines every year. In 2012, it was estimated that 610,000 women in the Philippines received abortions.<ref<[http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/ispeak/105680-reality-abortion-philippines The reality of abortion in the Philippines]</ref> An underground economy of abortions exist, in which women typically pay 2000-5000 PHP for the procedures. These procedures are often unsafe, leaving many women in unhealthy and vulnerable positions, with an estimated rate of 1000 deaths due to underground abortions per year. <ref>[http://www.huckmagazine.com/art-and-culture/the-perils-of-filipino-abortions/ The perils of underground Filipino abortions]</ref> A [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S9oUu0R3sY documentary] has recently. been made about the "backstreet abortions" in the Philippines, released in March 2016. | |||
As found in a UN Report, "...illegal abortion is performed in a climate of fear and shame resulting from strong cultural, religious and legal prohibitions. Surveys indicate that women resorting to abortion are often from economically disadvantaged groups and take this step because they are unable to provide for another child. Surveys also indicate a high incidence of repeat abortion. In a context of poor health conditions and widespread malnutrition, and where some 76 per cent of deliveries occur at home and only 21 per cent are attended by a physician, induced abortions are poorly performed and result in high maternal mortality and morbidity."<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm Abortion Policy: Philippines]</ref> | |||
The Reproductive Health (RH) Law allows women to receive humane medical care in the event of abortion complications, but this does not mean that all women receive proper care. In fact, the Philippines has a high maternal mortality and morbidity rate. This is worsened by the fact that many women, who have endangering conditions, are routinely denied abortions. As reported in the Rappler, "some medical health care providers erroneously deny life-saving procedures even in cases of intrauterine fetal death where therapeutic abortion is needed to save the life of the woman." Furthermore, "Expressing negative views on abortion is dangerous because it maintains the status quo where many medical providers threaten women with prosecution in cases of intrauterine fetal death, spontaneous abortion, abortion due to trauma from intimate partner violence and self-induced abortion."<ref>[http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/ispeak/105680-reality-abortion-philippines The reality of abortion in the Philippines]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||