Breaking the Silence: Advancing Reproductive Rights in the Philippines Through

Legalizing Abortion

By Princess Bea T. Alinsog, Ryza B. Arac, Gweneth G. Galvez, Allyssa Kate S.

Maghari, Pauline Jade P. Padrones, and Andrea Rose C. Badiango

The Philippines has one of the most restrictive abortion laws globally, with a criminal
ban on abortion without clear exceptions (Center for Reproductive Rights, 2023). This
legal stance has made the topic of legalizing abortion in the Philippines a contentious
and sensitive issue for years. Presently, abortion is prohibited in the country, even in
cases where the life and health of the pregnant woman are at risk and require
intervention (MacCleery, n.d.). This restrictive law means that women are denied access
to safe and legal abortions, whether facing health risks due to unplanned or unwanted
pregnancies, fetal anomalies, or other circumstances.

As a result, many women turn to unsafe and illegal abortion methods, including the
consumption of toxic substances and seeking assistance from unqualified individuals,
risking serious complications or even death. Such abortion restrictions not only
jeopardize the mental and physical well-being of women and adolescents but also their
lives. Women seeking abortions often face stigmatization, marginalization, and
discrimination and may even face legal penalties or imprisonment if caught (MacCleery,
n.d.). Additionally, the limited access to safe and legal abortions denies women and
adolescents their right to make decisions about their bodies, health, and future.

Recently, there have been increasing calls to legalize abortion in the Philippines,
emphasizing that it is not just a matter of public health and safety but also a vital step in
protecting and upholding women's reproductive health and bodily autonomy rights.
However, the issue remains highly divisive, facing strong opposition from religious
groups and conservative sectors of society.

Our group strongly advocates for the legalization of abortion in the Philippines for the
following reasons:

Firstly, to address the public health concern arising from unsafe abortion practices. The
Philippines is ranked 56th out of 150 countries with 71 unintended pregnancies per
1,000 women annually, as reported by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies
(PIDS). Additionally, according to Decriminalize Abortion Now, about one in every 8
Filipino women who seek abortions are survivors of rape. The trauma of rape often
results in unwanted pregnancies, compelling some women and girls to undergo unsafe
and clandestine abortions to terminate their pregnancies, while others resort to
attempting suicide. Denying safe and legal abortion services to survivors of rape and
incest constitutes a form of torture, is a clear injustice, and is a blatant act of
discrimination against women and girls.

Secondly, we advocate for the repeal of laws that discriminate against women and the
elimination of the stigma, bias, and enforcement of restrictive religious beliefs imposed
on women seeking abortions. The 1930 Revised Penal Code, particularly Art. 256-259,
is an outdated law rooted in colonial times that perpetuates gender discrimination. This
legislation places significant limitations on women's reproductive rights and bodily
autonomy, resulting in maternal deaths and health complications due to unsafe abortion
practices. The presence of such stringent abortion laws is in conflict with Republic Act
9710, also known as the Magna Carta of Women, which directs the State to assess,
and if necessary, amend or revoke, existing discriminatory laws against women within
three years from the enactment of RA 9710.

Thirdly, in legalizing abortion, there would be a high chance of saving children that are
in the risk of having an abusive household and can prevent these children from having a
life battling to what they should put in their stomachs for the next days of their lives.
Women who are unable to provide basic needs for their children may choose to have
abortion rather than putting these children in a miserable situation. Many would think
that abortion is a sin since it was indicated in the bible to thou shall not take lives of a
human being, however isn't it more sinful living in a conscience that you cannot give the
love and care that each child deserves?

Furthermore, we firmly believe that women should have the autonomy to make
decisions regarding their bodies. No individual should be forced to continue a
pregnancy against their wishes, infringing on their bodily autonomy and rights.

Access to abortion and bodily autonomy stands as vital human rights. Banning abortion
violates key rights such as equality, privacy, and optimal health standards, and
safeguards against mistreatment, harmful practices, and gender-based violence. By
denying the right to abortion, we are denying the right of women to have control over
their bodies.

In conclusion, the arguments put forth by our group emphasize the dire necessity for
abortion legalization in The Philippines. Such a state of affairs characterized by high
levels of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortion practices is not only a serious
public health risk but also encourages gender discrimination. Furthermore, disallowing
safe and legal abortion procedures for survivors of rape and incest does not just worsen
their suffering but violates their basic rights.

The removal of archaic laws that restrict women’s reproductive rights is crucial in
promoting gender equality and preserving autonomy over one’s body. It is vital to
eliminate prejudice, bias, and religious barriers placed on women who seek abortions
since these factors are known to contribute to maternal death and other complications.

Our advocacy revolves around acknowledging women’s right to decide on matters

concerning their bodies. Every person should have the liberty to choose whether or not
they wish to remain pregnant devoid of any duress or interference. In addition, an
appropriate human right includes access to abortion which ought to be a matter of
reproductive health based on principles such as equality, privacy, and best medical
standards.

By legalizing abortion and ensuring access to safe services, we affirm the dignity and
rights of women in the Philippines. It is about time that legislators give due consideration
towards women’s well-being and self-determination by passing laws that respect their
choices on reproduction while protecting them from adverse health outcomes.
References:

Statista. (2024, February 21). Number of rape cases Philippines 2020-2022.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1170653/philippines-number-of-cases/

Ray, N. (2023, January 30). Progress on abortion rights in the Philippines. Center for

Reproductive Rights.

https://reproductiverights.org/pchr-philippine-commission-human-rights-abortion-decr

iminalization/

Holmes, M., Resnick, H. S., Kilpatrick, D. G., & Best, C. L. (1996). Rape-related

pregnancy: Estimates and descriptive characteristics from a national sample of

women. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 175(2), 320–325.

https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9378(96)70141-2

Reasons to support the bill | Decriminalize abortion now! (n.d.).

https://decriminalizeabortion.ph/about/reasons/

View of the Philippines’ criminal restrictions on abortion and the CEDAW committee’s

role in strengthening calls for reform. (n.d.).

https://cws.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cws/article/view/37775/34321