Pope’s recent statement on condom use disappoints lady RH author

Press Release
November 24, 2010

QUEZON CITY  –  One of the main authors of the still controversial reproductive health bill expressed disappointment on the recent declaration of Pope Benedict XVI on condom use.

Rep. Janette L. Garin of the 1st District of Iloilo, main author of HB 101 or the “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2010” laments the apparent double standard of morality on condom use.  “I wonder why the Pope considers it morally upright for male prostitutes to use condom and yet condemn couples using it to protect the spread of HIV and AIDS among their offspring,” said Garin.  “I call this a double standard of morality.”

Garin who is a medical doctor has been exposed to real life experiences where innocent children are infected with HIV and AIDS because their parents failed to use anything for protection.  “My heart bleeds for these children, they are innocent ones and they are just victims by circumstances,” explained Garin.

However, in the midst of the seemingly never-ending controversy, Garin remains unmoved and still strongly pushes for the passage of the reproductive health bill.  “As a responsible legislator, I owe it to Filipino people to continue on pursuing this advocacy until such time that it becomes a law so the Filipino people will have the opportunity to live quality lives and enjoy the benefits of reproductive health,” said Garin.

Garin further stressed, “the government is under obligation, not only to educate the people, but also to provide reproductive health services to those who wants to avail of them, despite of what the Pope or some Catholic leaders say on the issue.”