RH ruling cited: Ban on some contraceptives sought

MANILA, Philippines — A group of petitioners that challenged the controversial Reproductive Health Law before the Supreme Court urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove the certification of contraceptives identified to have abortifacient effects.

In a letter last week addressed to Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, acting director general of the FDA, pro-life group Filipinos for Life argued that the Supreme Court decision in April requires the agency to strike out abortifacient contraceptives from its list of approved drugs

The group noted that the Supreme Court, in its decision, tasked the FDA to determine whether contraceptives covered by the RH Law are "safe, legal, non-abortifacient and effective family planning products and supplies."

It also cited part of the ruling recognizing the law's prohibition against any "abortifacient" as a "drug or device that induces abortion, that is, which kills or destroys the fertilized ovum or prevents the fertilized ovum to reach and be implanted in the mother's womb."

The group noted in its letter that many of the widely used contraceptives "act as abortifacients in that they interfere with the implantation of what the Philippine constitution defines as living human being, and are not safe for the unborn."

It said contraceptives, in the form of oral pills, implants, injectibles, vaginal rings and intra-uterine devices "have abortifacient effects" as seen in scientific studies, drug literature and case reports.

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"The government through the FDA has a big responsibility in ensuring that the lives of our countrymen, including the unborn, are not compromised in any way," the group said.

It also cited part of the decision commenting on the government's "heavy" burden in supplying contraceptive drugs and devices.

"For it may be held accountable for any injury, illness or loss of life resulting from or incidental to their use," the high court ruling states.

Manufacturers of contraceptives available in the market, however, claim their products are safe and are not abortifacients as seen in descriptions of the drugs. - Camille Diola