RH Education Can Save Lives

As the long, uphill journey of the RH (Reproductive Health) Bill becomes even more difficult, one truth remains steady on its dark, bloody path: the rising number of RH-related deaths.  What makes this even more depressing is the age range of its victims -- it's getting lower and lower every year.

Related link: PHILIPPINES: Faces of HIV grow younger

A friend of mine is involved in a research project that helps gather data for one of many international organizations focused on HIV/AIDS awareness.  To supplement the numbers gathered by the DOH, the project's researchers go to hospitals, clinics, health centers around the country.  They also conduct surveys in indigent communities, rural areas, and other places where information may be obtained, since it's very likely that someone somewhere who has contracted HIV is totally clueless.

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What they've found disturbing from their findings is that, the spread of HIV is largely fueled by misconceptions and misinformation, the top three being that:

• HIV/AIDS cannot be spread.
• HIV/AIDS can be cured as easily as the common cold.
• Poverty makes the risk unavoidable ("Kailangan namin yung pera.")

Just typing this brings me to tears.  Can you imagine the HUGE difference it would have made for these people if only they knew the truth?

I appeal to anti-RH protesters: please, read the bill and get your facts straight.  To argue about it based on just one portion -- that is, contraceptives -- deprives you of learning so much more about Reproductive Health, which in effect can help protect you and your loved ones.

Let's do our part to prevent ignorance, misconceptions, and misinformation from causing more harm to our society.