In The Philippines, with a steadily increasing population that is approaching 100 million, faces significant challenges in the area of reproductive health. About 25 million of its citizens are women of reproductive age, and they experience high levels of unintended pregnancy, have relatively low levels of contraceptive use, and frequently experience unsafe abortion and consequently high levels of mortality and morbidity. Many women are at risk due to unsafe abortion. The purpose of this petition is to voice out our opinion in legalizing abortion in the Philippines. As equal citizens, we deserve to be heard and recognized. 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, numerous studies have indicated that unintended pregnancies are associated with an array of negative health, economic, social, and psychological outcomes for both women and children which increases high risk of severe health related problems which is considered as a global concern. This problem hasn’t been given enough spotlight compared to other economic and social issues our country encounters.

Legalization of abortion in the Philippines will not only prevent unsafe medical practices but it will also address women who were victims of rape or incest. As stated by the Philippines Statistics Authority, in 2016, statistics show 7,037 women in the Philippines experienced forced sexual intercourse or incest. Because of this, it has led to unintended pregnancies and mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. In addition, the growing number of population in the Philippines is a major factor of poverty and has led to a number of unadopted orphans. Evidence shows that the approval of this law will provide a positive impact on the country’s economy, reduce maternal deaths, and decrease unadopted orphans which can reduce the rate of poverty.

We demand to break the stigma against the procedure in the medical community that women face tremendous barriers and significant abuse when they seek treatment for abortion complications. We believe it is high time the Philippine government decriminalize our restrictive law on abortion, in compliance with its international human rights obligations and women’s right to life, health, inequality of women in law in clear violation of women’s right to equal protection of the law and women’s right to privacy.

Sign this petition and join women's rights organizations, reproductive health advocates and youth advocates in affirming the call to “Women’s Rights are Human Rights!”

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