Family Life Commission Manifesto on HB4110

WE, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters declare as follows…..

Considering that,
The Constitution of the Philippines provides that the State “recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation” and “shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception.”

Acknowledging that,
The international documents to which the Philippines is a party recognize that the child has an inherent right to life, and that by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection , before as well as after birth.

Noting that,
The universally agreed meaning of the term “reproductive health care” used in House Bill No. 4110 unequivocally includes abortion services.

Recognizing that,
The Revised Penal Code penalizes those who cause abortion intentionally, as well as unintentionally, and imposes a higher penalty on those who take advantage of their special training to commit abortion.

Stressing that,
Our Constitution, penal and civil laws, as well as moral law, all acknowledge the dignity of every human person and the equality of all human beings in so far as right to life is concerned; accordingly, they all command reverence and love for love.

Mindful that,
Women have the right, as men do, over how they should treat their bodies; however, such right is not an unbridled license to do as well as they will or please.

Bearing in mind that,
Life is a gift from God who will call upon to render an accounting of how we have dealt with and treated it.

Recalling that,
Our Constitution declares that “the natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the government.”

WE ARE CONVINCED THAT:

HOUSE BILL NOS. 4110 AND 6123 HAVE NO LEGAL OR MORAL BASIS BECAUSE THEY

1. Urge public officers and citizens to violate our laws by advocating the legalization/de-criminalization of abortion procedures under the guise of promoting “women’s reproductive health”.
2. Desecrate human life in the guise of promoting women’s human right.
3. Deprive the child of his most fundamental right – his right to life, and pit him/her against the mother in whose womb the innocent and defenseless human life is totally entrusted for protection and care.
4. Violate the duty of the State to protect and safeguard women’s physical, moral and mental health by disregarding the deleterious effects of the various family planning methods.
5. Defy and make a mockery of the primary right and duty of parents in the upbringing of their children by providing adolescents education and counseling on reproductive health programs.
6. Undermine the sanctity of marriage, threaten the integrity of the family, and destroy the very foundation of our nation.

THEREFORE, WE RESOLVE TO:

URGE YOU, our esteemed Legislators, particularly, the authors, co-authors of House Bill Nos. 4110 and 6123, and similar bills , to seize this singular opportunity to BE the mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or son that you ARE, and to defend, protect, preserve and nurture the FILIPINO FAMILY that you HAVE; and

STOP the passage of Bill Nos. 4110 and 6123, and similar bills that directly or indirectly, blatantly or discreetly, by whatever means, manner, or name, and in whatever depth or breadth, violate the sacredness of LIFE and threaten the integrity of the FAMILY.

Approved and adopted this 12th day of July 2003 at Alabang, Muntinlupa City by participants of “FILIPINO FAMILY UNDER ATTACK: A Forum on Anti-Family Bills”.