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)