NEWS RELEASE
07 May 2011

For Reference:
REP. LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN 0920-9213221
REP. EMMI DE JESUS 0917-3221203
Jang Monte (Public Information Officer) 0917-4049119

MOTHERS’ DAY CALL:

KNOCK OUT MATERNAL DEATHS,

PASS A COMPREHENSIVE RH LAW NOW!

“The Reproductive Health Bill is about saving the lives of women, mothers and their children. As we honor our mothers on Mothers’ Day, we voice our call for women’s full access to reproductive health services and the immediate passage of a comprehensive reproductive health bill.”

This was the statement issued today as Gabriela Women’s Party Representatives Luz Ilagan and Emmi De Jesus joined mothers at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Medical Center in commemorating Mothers’ Day.

The Gabriela solons and their members wore boxing gloves outside the Fabella hospital in Sta. Cruz to illustrate their call.

“Let us knock out maternal deaths! Let us reduce the risks of pregnancy and childbirth and prevent the deaths of over 4,500 Filipino women annually. Now is the time to pass a comprehensive reproductive health law. This is our call and this is our challenge to President Aquino, our fellow members of Congress, including Manny Pacquiao.”

At the same time the Gabriela solons also distributed “Mother and Baby Care Information Pamphlets” to mothers and women. The information pamphlets illustrate how an expectant mother should care for her unborn baby month after month during the course of her pregnancy.

“We reiterate that we are pushing for an RH policy that is not about condoms, contraception or population control. We want an RH policy that will make the government recognize its responsibility in saving the lives of Filipino women and children by providing accessible healthcare, education and information.”

As a Mothers’ Day gift, the Gabriela solons also gave medical assistance to 100 indigent expectant mothers who will give birth this mothers’ day weekend. The hospital’s social welfare department will aid in identifying the recipients of the medical assistance amounting to as much as P1,000 per patient, coming from Gabriela Women’s Party’s Priority Development Assistance Fund. “Healthcare services should be a priority in government spending.” #

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Attachment(s) from Rep Luzviminda Ilagan

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