RH Code for QC

We're currently hurrying to finish the production of our various props and paraphernalia for tomorrow's mobilization at the QC Hall.This is to show support for and pressure the local government to pass the QC Reproductive Health bill which was earlier filed by QC Councilor Joseph Juico.

A group of women from different organizations and residents from different communities in many areas in Quezon City will converge near the Sunken Garden (in front of QC Hall) on December 18, 2007 from 9AM to 12NN during the public hearing on QC Reproductive Health Bill. The hearing will be held at Carlos Albert Hall, Legislative Wing, Quezon City Hall and will be conducted by the joint council Committee on Laws, Rules and Internal Government and the Committee on Health.

Since it's christmas time, the organizing committee have decided to adopt this as its main theme. Therefore we have santa hats, gifts, parols and we even modified the lyrics of the "Ang Pasko ay sumapit" to fit the theme of the event.

Ang Pasko ay sumapit

Tayo ay mangagsi-awit

At sa ngayong umaga

Ang hiling namin ay iisa

Huwag pong kalilimutan

Ang aming mga karapatan

At ang aming hiling

QC RH Code ay ipasa!!

I also had fun designing some stuff and am particularly proud of this parol.

The QC RH Code is really important especially in light of the fact that we don't have a national RH bill. And it's not because for lack of trying. The women's movement has been lobbying for its passage since 4 congresses ago. If it were a real live girl, she would be hitting puberty soon.

The QC RH Bill encompasses the following 10 elements of reproductive health:

1. Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition
2.. Family planning information and services
3. Prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications
4. Adolescent and youth health
5. Prevention and management of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmittable infections (STIs)
6. Elimination of violence against women;
7. Education and counseling on sexuality and sexual and reproductive health;
8. Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers and other gynecological conditions;
9. Male involvement and participation in reproductive health;
10. Prevention and treatment of infertility and sexual dysfunction

if the local ordinance is passed, QC will join the provinces of Aurora and Ifugao in recognizing the reproductive rights of its citizens.It maybe a really small club but it's a start.