Communion and Reproductive Health

The "war" between the Catholic Church and the proponents of the Reproductive Health law in the Philippines has been in the news for days already.

Those who are for the reproductive health law want women to have a choice, between natural and artificial methods, without mention and/or inclusion of abortion as an option.

The Catholic Church on one hand does not accept any form of artificial method indicating that reproductive health is tantamount to having abortion as an option.

No one is talking about abortion. I do not approve of abortion. And please, do not put words into the mouths of those who are pro-choice.

However, talks of not allowing those who promote Reproductive Health to receive communion has been around as well.

Both methods' aim is to avoid pregnancy.

But to deprive its followers of communion when they are pro-choice may be considered as going too far, I believe.

While it is believed that the natural method works as much as the artificial method, the former entails more discipline as compared to the latter; and Pinoys are known to be an impatient lot as anyone could be.

My point to the matter is, let the women have a choice. There is no need for black mail. Let the government do its job. In the first place, I never believed that morality should even be considered by any government. Their job is to provide what may be best for the majority as long as it adheres to the basic law of the land.

On one hand, it is the job of the church to guide its followers. Guide and not coerce. Guide and not to divide. Guide and welcome, not drive away.

If the stories in the news are true that the church are contamplating that those who are pro-choice are not to be given communion, then this is what I have to say. The church may bless those who they want, but if God refuses to give his own blessings, then the church's blessings are for naught. The church may not bless anyone, but if God decides to give his blessings, then no church blessing is necessary.

The population in this country has been skyrocketing for years. There will come a time when there would be too many of us alive and there would be less resources for everyone. Let us not wait for that day to come because even these days, the hard earning daily wagers are already experiencing the difficulties in life. And with the number of children that they could not afford to send to school, we are increasing the population living below the poverty line.

Will the church send to school and feed these children? Will they provide shelter? Most likely not. But would be good enough if they could.

I still say, let the women have their choice. After all, if they really want to talk about morality, it is even morally wrong for parents to have too many children they could not feed, shelter, and send to school properly.

WRAP IT UP!

Let us also help lower the HIV infection and transmission in this country. Too many are already infected. And many of them do not even know that they are positive.

WRAP IT UP!

Let us all help save lives. The life you save may even be your own.