Family planning law enacted by Benigno Aquino

Published on 30/12/2012 00:00

BENIGNO Aquino, president of the Philippines, has signed into law a bill allowing free access to contraception and family planning.

Supporters say the law, which took 14 years to pass, will reduce poverty and maternal mortality in a nation with the highest birth rate in South-east Asia.

The Roman Catholic Church tried to block the bill and Congress failed to pass it several times before giving it approval on 19 December.

The law is due to take effect in mid-January, said spokeswoman Abigail Valte.

“The passage into law of the Responsible Parenthood Act closes a highly divisive chapter of our history – a chapter borne of the convictions of those who argued for, or against,” she said. “At the same time, it opens the possibility of co-operation and reconciliation... engagement and dialogue characterised by our collective desire to better the welfare of the people.”