MANILA, Dec. 6, 2010—A consultative meeting on the Reproductive Health bill was held Monday morning between the Catholic hierarchy and the country’s largest organization of doctors.
Philippine Medical Association President Dr. Oscar Tinio led other medical practitioners met with some CBCP officials on the population control measure, said Dr. Mile Aragon, PMA media affairs chairman.
The bishops earlier said they will consult legal and medical experts to help them prepare for a dialogue with Malacañang on issues that encompass government efforts to shape a reproductive health policy.
Bishop Nereo Odchimar, CBCP Preside, said they will seek opinions of lay people, as church officials admitted they are aware of their limitations.
“Since our major line is on morality, we would be enlisting help from the lay people who would be with us representing their specific expertise,” Odchimar said earlier.
Odchimar said the bishops will seek to tackle the demography, economics, legal and medical aspects of reproductive health.
On the other hand, Tinio said that the PMA would voluntarily offer its scientific and medical expertise on the reproductive health issue to both the government and the church.
“Medical doctors are major stakeholders and front liners in the reproductive health and wellness of our nation and we should be involved in any discussion concerning this issue†he said.
The Catholic Church opposes the passage of the proposed RH bill, which pushes the use of contraceptives, saying it attacks the sanctity of life.
Tinio earlier said PMA is “pro-life†and rejects measures that would promote abortion.
He also discouraged the holding of sex education in schools. Tinio added that the promotion and availability of family planning materials in schools should likewise be avoided.
“It has to be available somewhere but definitely not in schools,†Tinio said.
The CBCP and the PMA, meanwhile, are yet to issue statements on what transpired during the meeting held at the PMA compound in Quezon City. (CBCPNews)
