The uber-controversial and much-debated Reproductive Health Bill of 2008 is now being strongly opposed by of course, no less than the entire Catholic church and other “concerned” and self-righteous citizens who will go to great lengths just to make sure the bill is not enacted into a law. And make no mistake about it, the power of the Church to influence should neither be underestimated nor taken lightly. They are a force to be reckoned with. It is highly possible that they (Church and other so-called “pro-life” groups) will win this battle. I hope not.

However, if you expect me to discuss (in this particular post) why I choose to be a proponent of this bill, I am sorry to disappoint you. There is no need for explanation or thorough analysis here. The issue, although not simple, is rather easy to understand and consequently, easy to decide on which side to take. I mean, come on people, when are we ever gonna grow up as a country and accept the fact that we can no longer feed our people, provide jobs that match education and experience, eradicate poverty and zero-out crime rate which is a direct effect of these issues? Wake up people. Face the facts. Do what needs to be done. The proposed Philippine Reproductive Health Bill is not even immoral per se. It does not even violate the Philippine constitution (as compared to the BJE MOA).

I’ve said this before and I will say it again. Let’s support The Philippine Reproductive Health Bill. If you are indeed PRO-Life, I am sure you have an idea of what “life” actually is. Mere existence doesn’t qualify as “life”. Life is actually “living” normally — eating, working, playing — not simply “existing” which is even made more degrading by “begging” and “robbing” as a result of poverty.

To all those who oppose this bill as if it is a bill drafted from hell by the devil himself, I say why don’t you go there and ask for yourself. I am betting my bottom peso, that you who claim to be righteous and holy don’t even know what it’s like to go hungry or walk to school wearing worn-out slippers or settle for a vocational course you would never take even in your dreams just because you are too poor to afford it.

This generation and the succeeding ones should have the benefit of a “choice” — a choice to take control of their lives and future and realize their dreams… and a choice to decide to bear children at a time they want. Morality is not the state’s concern. And while it is the Church’s job to keep morality in check, it is not something that can be enforced. That choice is for each individual to make.

So, in closing, I present you “Free To Decide” by The Cranberries. This song’s title and lyrics aptly describe my stand on the Philippine Reproductive Health Bill. I dedicate this to those who “must have nothing more with their time to do” and have the luxury of taking their protests to the streets. Aren’t these people supposed to be working for food? Oh, yeah, maybe they don’t need to work. My point exactly.

“Free To Decide” by The Cranberries

It’s not worth anything,
More than this at all.
I’ll live as I choose,
Or I will not live at all.

So return to where you come from,
Return to where you dwell,
Because harassment’s not my forte,
But you do it very well.

I’m free to decide, I’m free to decide,
And I’m not so suicidal after all.
I’m free to decide, I’m free to decide,
And I’m not so suicidal after all,
At all, at all, at all.

You must have nothing,
More with your time to do.
There’s a war in Russia,
And Sarajevo too.

So to hell with what you’re thinking,
And to hell with your narrow mind,
You’re so distracted from the real thing,
You should leave your life behind, behind.

‘Cause I’m free to decide, I’m free to decide,
And I’m not so suicidal after all,
I’m free to decide, I’m free to decide,
And I’m not so suicidal after all,
At all, at all, at all.

I’m free to decide, I’m free to decide,
And I’m not so suicidal after all,
At all, at all, at all.