A “Pastoral Guide” to safeguard the right of conscientious objection was published by the Filipino Bishops during their plenary session in order to counter the “Reproductive health Bill” that the Supreme Court passed last April, putting into effect the provisions of contraception and sex education for population, with the intention of increasing the culture of family planning and promoting birth control. The Bishops, in a document addressed to doctors, Catholics healthcare agents, government officials and educators, presented themselves as "teachers of the faith and morals," and provided guidelines for the discernment of the faithful: "It is our duty to offer pastoral instruction to those who work in public as well as private healthcare facilities, so they can learn about their prerogatives."
In the Philippines, abortion is prohibited by the Constitution, while the distribution and the administration of drugs and contraceptive devices must be authorized by a physician. The document recognizes the right of all Catholics healthcare agents, who wish to follow the guidelines of the faith, to refuse "to provide information and services," declaring themselves conscientious objectors: the basic principle is "the inviolability of human consciousness," which no law can coerce. Providentially, the Court has recognized that Catholics "withdraw" and refuse to perform an act they find "morally repugnant and offensive."
The last instruction of the Filipino Church regards the protection of the family, enshrined in the Constitution: if a married person chooses an irreversible form of contraception, both spouses must agree. Additionally, a minor, who intends to use family planning measures, will still need parental consent. "The state cannot replace the natural mother or father when it comes to providing care, advice and assistance to children," says the Guide published by the Bishops. The freedom of education, finally, is safeguarded: schools and Catholic hospitals will continue to provide services in accordance with the principles and their own religious inspiration. "We will continue to prepare our young people to be responsible parents," conclude the Prelates.
