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  • Title: Visible changes. Family planning in the Philippines regains its role as a key program in national development.
    Author: Taniguchi H.
    Journal: Integration; 1993 Mar; (35):2-3. PubMed ID: 12286370.
    Abstract:
    Since July 1992 there has been a new outlook on family planning due to the political posturing of the new President Fidel V. Ramos and the Health Secretary Dr. Juan M. Flavier. Both men have taken strong positions in support of family planning, which will be an active component of the social service programs. The President in a campaign pamphlet reported that he had as much respect for religious beliefs and convictions as national community needs. Recognition was given that individuals and couples have the right to choose the plan and to voluntarily and responsible manage their family size. The government has as responsibility to provide a range of family planning (FP) methods and to develop programs which will impact on the greatest number of people. Secretary Flavier is prepared to provide public information and health education which reveals the wide range in choices of contraception. Family planning experts are pleased with the Health Secretary and his background in rural medicine and conviction to promote FP. 8.1 million women are of reproductive age, of which 5.1 million are at high risk of bearing children. 50% of FIlipino women are anemic and 45% are malnourished. An additional 65% of lactating women are malnourished. Only 80% of pregnant women seek prenatal care. Delivery conditions and maternal care are considered unsatisfactory. Maternal mortality is the 6th largest cause of death among Filipino women (102 maternal deaths/100,000 live births). Lack of access to appropriate FP information and services prevents many who wish to limit or space births from doing so. Illegal abortions are obtained by women when pregnancies are unwanted (155,000-175,000 per year vs. 1.4 million live births per year). Economic reasons have been reported as the most important justification for illegal abortion; poor women are known to have several abortions, which are risky and unsafe. 55.2% of all Filipino families lived below the poverty line in 1988. Cost is another problem for poor women who do not have access to free supplies from government health unites. Weakness, malnourishment, or illness also prevent use of contraceptives. Policy is key to providing for the welfare of the population.
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