CBCP Legal counsel calls laity to be conscientious objectors of RH Law

You can protect life and family through RH law.

This is the message of the legal counsel of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Atty. Jo Imbong during a talk she delivered to the lay leaders from different parishes in the Archdiocese of Davao.

She said there are violations committed in the implementation of RH Law like selling abortifacients online, adding that the law imposes penalty for those manufacturers and sellers who sell abortifacients over the counter or online.

“Nature will strike back if we interfere with her,” she said.

“Abortifacients are prohibited by the RH Law. An abortifacient is any drug or device that: a) induces abortion; or b) induces the destruction of a fetus inside the mother’s womb; or c) prevents the fertilized ovum to reach and to be implanted in the mother’s womb,” as written in the CBCP Pastoral Guidance on the Implementation of the Reproductive Health Law last July 7, 2014.

The pastoral guidance was signed by Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan Socrates Villegas, CBCP President and it was addressed to Catholic physicians and health care workers, government officials and employees, educators and fellow Church

workers.

The pastoral guidance of CBCP presented an outline of salient points in the Supreme Court decision which they think may be helpful for their pastoral ministry and discernment.

Family and Life Apostolate Coordinators, Pangulo sa Kristohanong Banay (PSKB) and Archdiocesan Council of Lay Association and Movements (ACLAIM) members joined in the said talk held at the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center hall in Fatima, Davao City last August 26.

Atty. Imbong said they, along with bishops, priests, and others in the church can express their disapproval of certain provisions in the RH Law which will threaten their religious freedom.

She also cited cases wherein health professionals avoided helping or administering abortions if it is contrary to their religious belief.

“Religious freedom must prevail,” Atty. Imbong said, adding that the law does not allow anyone not to speak against RH Law or The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10354).

Fr. Orlando Angelia, FLA Director said it is an honor to have Atty. Imbong talk to the lay leaders and update them to what is happening especially how the government implements the law and how it will affect them.(dcherald@johnfrancesf)