MANILA, Nov. 6, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Catholics from across the Philippines will gather on November 12th to pray against the nation’s proposed Reproductive Health (RH) bill.
If passed, the bill would allow for universal access to contraceptives, birth control and intrauterine devices (IUD). The bill would also enforce “sexual education” on children starting at the 5th grade level.
Health care services that provide reproductive health, along with health care administrators could face fines or imprisonment if they refuse to provide services such as tubal ligation and vasectomies. Employers could face the same penalties if they refuse to provide free services to their employees.
Commenting on the gathering, Bishop Gabriel Reyes of Antipolo called the event an occasion for all the faithful to unite in prayer to prevent the passage of the bill. Bishop Reyes also serves as chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life for the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.
“Let this be an occasion for Marian devotees and Pro-lifers to unite in the prayer of the Holy Rosary to ask the Lord for the graces to continue and persevere in the unending work of service to the most helpless of God’s creations, the unborn baby,” Bishop Reyes said.
“Let us offer our prayers and sacrifices in reparation for the countless abortions committed against innocent human life which wound the consciences of those who participate in this unspeakable crime,” he said.
The prayer gathering will take place at the Nuestra Señora de Guia Parish Church in Ermita, Manila. The event will also celebrate the 9thanniversary of Rosary for Life in the Philippines. Rosary for Life is a worldwide and voluntary association of Christian faithful to promote respect for the life of the unborn by means for praying the rosary. The association has initiated various programs that raise awareness on the negative effects of abortion and the RH bill.
