Young pregnant women, especially those belonging to the marginalized sector, shall soon be provided with maternity care services in the home.
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Women and Gender Equality approved House Bill No. 5768, which proposes the establishment of a maternal and infant health home visiting program.
Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, principal author of the bill, said through this program, eligible individuals shall receive maternal and child-health services such as instruction and counseling regarding future health care for the woman and her child; nutrition counseling; counseling and education concerning all aspects of prenatal care, childbirth and motherhood; general family counseling, including child and family development; and medical care or referral for medical care for the woman and her child.
Individuals who are eligible to receive maternal and infant care services are pregnant women who are not more than 21 years old, or families with an infant up to the age of one, belonging to the low-income bracket.
Rodriguez noted that one of the most far-reaching social problems in the country is pregnancy among unmarried teenagers.
He said this is generally prevalent among women aged 15 to 24 who come from the low-income bracket.
Rodriguez said their pregnancies are often considered unwanted or untimely since it is at this stage where they are supposed to be enjoying their lives.
“Hence, maturity and preparedness required of every parent are oftentimes wanting,” Rodriguez said.
The bill mandates the Health Secretary to require health centers to designate an appropriate health professional or a qualified non-professional acting under the supervision of a health care professional to deliver maternal and child-health services in the homes of eligible individuals.
It also prohibits any maternal and child health service which advocates, promotes or encourages abortion.
