Filipinos will be given out free condoms to reduce the rate of population growth
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The Government of the Philippines is considering the possibility of introducing sex education in schools and providing citizens with free condoms. The corresponding bill was introduced yesterday by Congress President Benigno Aquino. The measure is aimed at curbing population growth, slowing the spread of HIV infection and solving the problem of clandestine abortion, The Independent reports.
Supporters of the initiative note that over the past 30 years, the number of Filipinos has doubled and currently stands at 94 million people, many of whom live below the poverty line. The rate of HIV transmission in the Philippines is lower than in other Asian countries, but, according to doctors, more stringent measures are required to prevent the spread of the disease.
Despite the fact that abortions are banned in the country, 560 thousand Filipinos make them annually, who are forced to resort to help from underground organizations. At the same time, 90,000 operations lead to complications, one thousand women die on the operating table every year, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York.
In turn, the Catholic bishops spoke out against the initiatives of the Philippine authorities. They are sure: condoms create a false sense of security in people and encourage promiscuity. The priests have already threatened to excommunicate the head of state from the church. This can have serious consequences for him, as Catholic structures have a huge impact on the Philippines.
About 80% of the population are Catholics and are guided by the opinion of the church, both in moral and in political matters. Two predecessors of the current president of the Philippines were forced to relinquish their post under the onslaught of alternative uprisings, which were supported by religious leaders.
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