AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10354

Section 1. Title

This Act shall be known as "The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of
2012″.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy

The government promises to protect everyone's basic rights, such as equality and freedom from
discrimination. These rights include things like health, education, and the freedom to make personal
choices based on beliefs and responsibilities.
According to the rules laid out in the Philippine Constitution, the government is responsible for
supporting and strengthening families. It must also ensure the well-being of both mothers and
unborn children. The government wants to raise awareness about health, especially among women
and mothers, and recognizes the importance of families in society.
The government is committed to treating men and women equally, empowering women, and
respecting everyone's dignity. Making sure women have access to good healthcare is a top priority.
Marriage is seen as an important part of society, and the government promises to defend the right of
couples to start a family according to their beliefs and responsibilities. Children have the right to care
and protection, families should have a decent income, and everyone should be included in planning
government policies.
The government guarantees that everyone has access to safe and affordable reproductive
healthcare services. This includes various methods approved by the government, with a focus on
helping women, children, and marginalized groups who may face poverty. These services are
offered for free to those who choose to use them.
The government is also working to get rid of any unfair laws or practices that might stop people from
exercising their reproductive health rights. It encourages an open attitude toward life, but suggests
that parents should only have as many children as they can raise well.

Section 3. Guiding Principles for Implementation

This Act declares the following as guiding principles:

(a) People have the right to make decisions freely and with full information, and the government
must ensure this right is protected and not influenced by any form of coercion, just like the
right itself.
(b) Valuing the safeguarding and realization of reproductive health and rights, these efforts aim
to uphold the rights and well-being of every individual, specifically couples, adults, women,
and adolescents.
(c) Recognizing that human resources are vital assets for the nation, it is crucial to prioritize
effective and high-quality reproductive health care services. This emphasis is necessary to
ensure the well-being of mothers and children, promote the health of unborn babies, facilitate
safe deliveries, and maintain a healthy replacement rate. This commitment aligns with the
 government's responsibility to advance the right to health, encourage responsible
parenthood, uphold social justice, and support comprehensive human development.
(d) Ensuring the delivery of ethical, medically safe, legal, accessible, affordable, non-
abortifacient, effective, and high-quality reproductive health care services and supplies is
vital for upholding people's right to health. This is particularly significant for the well-being of
women, the poor, and the marginalized. These services should be integrated as a
fundamental component of basic health care.
(e) The government is committed to providing unbiased information and access to a variety of
family planning methods, including proven natural and modern approaches. These methods,
approved by the FDA, will be accessible to the poor and marginalized. Additionally, funding
support will be allocated to promote modern natural methods, like the Billings Ovulation
Method, taking into account individuals' preferences and religious convictions.
(f) The government shall promote programs that: (1) enable individuals and couples to choose
the number of children they desire, considering women's health, available resources, and
affordability, in accordance with laws, public morals, and religious convictions, ensuring no
one is deprived of the right to have children due to economic reasons; (2) achieve fair
allocation and use of resources; (3) foster effective collaboration among the national
government, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector for people-centered
programs, enhancing quality of life and environmental protection; (4) conduct studies to
analyze demographic trends, aiming for sustainable human development with principles of
gender equality, protection of mothers, children (born and unborn), and promotion of
women’s reproductive rights and health; and (5) conduct scientific studies to assess the
safety and efficacy of alternative medicines and methods for reproductive health care
development.
(g) The national government is primarily responsible for providing reproductive health care,
information, and supplies, prioritizing poor beneficiaries identified through the NHTS-PR and
other government measures addressing marginalization. This aligns with the government's
duty to uphold and prioritize the right to health and the right to life.
(h) The government will respect individuals' choices of family planning methods aligned with
their religious convictions and cultural beliefs, recognizing its obligations under various
human rights instruments.
(i) Active involvement of non-government organizations (NGOs), women’s and people’s
organizations, civil society, faith-based groups, the religious sector, and communities is
essential to ensure that reproductive health, population, and development policies, plans,
and programs effectively meet the priority needs of women, the poor, and the marginalized.
(j) While acknowledging the illegality of abortion and its legal consequences, the government
will guarantee that women seeking care for post-abortive complications or other issues
related to pregnancy, labor, and delivery are treated and counseled in a humane,
nonjudgmental, and compassionate manner, in accordance with both the law and medical
ethics.
(k) Every family has the right to decide its ideal size. However, the State is obligated to provide
parents with comprehensive information on various aspects of family life, including
reproductive health and responsible parenthood, to empower them in making informed
decisions about family size.
(l) The promotion, stabilization, or mitigation of population growth is not tied to specific
demographic or population targets. Instead, these efforts are incidental to the overall
advancement of reproductive health.
(m) Gender equality and women's empowerment are core components of both reproductive
health and population and development efforts.
 (n) The resources of the country should be utilized to benefit the entire population, particularly
the poor, with allocations being sufficient and efficient. However, it is emphasized that the life
of the unborn must be protected.
(o) Development is a complex process that requires the coordination and integration of policies,
plans, programs, and projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the entire population,
with a particular focus on the poor, the needy, and the marginalized.
(p) A comprehensive reproductive health program addresses the needs of individuals across
their entire life cycle.

Section 4. Definition of Terms

(a) Abortifacient refers to any drug or device determined by the FDA to induce abortion or the
destruction of a fetus inside the mother’s womb. It also includes preventing the fertilized
ovum from reaching and being implanted in the mother’s womb, as per FDA determination.
(b) Adolescent refers to individuals in the age group of ten (10) to nineteen (19) years,
encompassing the phase of transition from childhood to adulthood.
(c) Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEMONC) refers to essential services
addressing emergency maternal and newborn conditions. It includes administering drugs,
performing assisted deliveries, and providing neonatal interventions like resuscitation and
warmth.
(d) Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC) includes advanced
services beyond Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care. It involves surgical delivery,
blood bank services, and specialized obstetric interventions, along with emergency neonatal
care such as resuscitation, treatment of sepsis, oxygen support, and administering steroids
for threatened premature delivery.
(e) Family planning is a program that empowers couples and individuals to make informed and
responsible decisions regarding the number and timing of their children. It ensures access to
a comprehensive range of safe, affordable, and effective methods, both natural and artificial,
to plan pregnancies without inducing abortion.
(f) Fetal and infant death review involves a detailed and qualitative examination of the causes
of fetal and infant death. Its main objective is to prevent future deaths by identifying
necessary changes or additions to programs, plans, and policies.
(g) Gender equality is the principle that advocates for equal rights between women and men,
allowing them to realize their full human potential and contribute to and benefit from
development outcomes. The State acknowledges that all individuals are free and equal in
dignity and rights. Gender equality involves providing equal opportunities, allocating
resources or benefits fairly, and ensuring access to services to uphold rights such as health
and sustainable human development, without discrimination.
(h) Gender equity refers to policies, instruments, programs, and actions that rectify the
disadvantaged position of women in society through preferential treatment and affirmative
action. It emphasizes fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities
between women and men, often necessitating projects and programs specifically focused on
women to address existing inequalities. Recognizing that reproductive health involves both
women and men, gender equity underscores its heightened importance for women's health.
(i) Male responsibility pertains to the active involvement, commitment, accountability, and
responsibility of males in various aspects of sexual health and reproductive health. This
includes addressing reproductive health concerns specific to men and actively participating
in related care.
(j) Maternal death review involves a detailed and qualitative examination of the causes of
maternal death. Its primary objective is to prevent future deaths by identifying necessary
changes or additions to programs, plans, and policies.
(k) Maternal health refers to the well-being of a woman of reproductive age, encompassing
various aspects including, but not limited to, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum
period.
(l) Modern methods of family planning encompass safe, effective, non-abortifacient, and
legal approaches, both natural and artificial, that are registered with the FDA for planning
pregnancies.
(m) Natural family planning involves various methods utilized to plan or prevent pregnancy by
identifying the woman's fertile days through natural indicators.
(n) A public health care service provider refers to: (1) a licensed and accredited public health
care institution primarily dedicated to health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis,
treatment, and care; (2) a public health care professional, such as a doctor of medicine,
nurse, or midwife; (3) a public health worker involved in delivering health care services; or (4)
a barangay health worker who, after accredited training, voluntarily provides primarily health
care services in the community, endorsed by the local health board according to Department
of Health (DOH) guidelines.
(o) Poor refers to individuals belonging to households identified as economically disadvantaged
through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or any subsequent system
employed by the national government for identifying those in poverty.
(p) Reproductive Health (RH) signifies the holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental,
and social aspects, related to the reproductive system and its functions. It goes beyond the
absence of disease, emphasizing the ability to have a responsible, safe, consensual, and
satisfying sex life. Additionally, it involves the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to
reproduce. Achieving equal relationships in matters related to sexual relations and
reproduction is a key aspect of reproductive health for both women and men.
(q) Reproductive health care encompasses access to a comprehensive array of methods,
facilities, services, and supplies aimed at promoting reproductive health and well-being by
addressing related issues. This includes sexual health, which seeks to enhance life and
personal relationships. Key elements of reproductive health care include: [additional details
can be provided based on the original content you intended to include:
 Family planning information and services prioritize ensuring that women of
reproductive age are fully informed about their menstrual cycles. This knowledge
helps them understand when fertilization is highly likely or unlikely, serving as a
crucial aspect of family planning.
 Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition, including breastfeeding
 Proscription of abortion and management of abortion complications
 Adolescent and youth reproductive health guidance and counseling;
 Prevention, treatment and management of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV
and AIDS and other sexually transmittable infections (STIs)
 Elimination of violence against women and children and other forms of sexual and
gender-based violence
 Education and counseling on sexuality and reproductive health
 Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers and other gynecological
conditions and disorders
 Male responsibility and involvement and men’s reproductive health
 Prevention, treatment and management of infertility and sexual dysfunction
  Reproductive health education for the adolescents
 Mental health aspect of reproductive health care
(r) A reproductive health care program refers to the systematic and integrated delivery of
reproductive health care services to all citizens, with a priority focus on women, the poor,
marginalized populations, and those in vulnerable or crisis situations.
(s) Reproductive health rights pertain to the entitlements of individuals and couples to make
autonomous decisions regarding having children, determining the number, spacing, and
timing of children, and making other choices related to reproduction. These rights include the
freedom from discrimination, coercion, and violence, access to information and means for
informed decision-making, and the pursuit of the highest standard of sexual and reproductive
health. It's important to note that reproductive health rights, as defined, exclude abortion and
access to abortifacients.
(t) Reproductive health and sexuality education involve a continuous learning process that
provides and acquires comprehensive, accurate, and age-appropriate information on
reproductive health and sexuality. This education is delivered through life skills education
and other approaches, adapting to the individual's age and stage of development.
(u) Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI) encompasses sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and
other types of infections that affect the reproductive system.
(v) Responsible parenthood is the willingness and capability of parents to meet the needs and
aspirations of their family and children. It involves a shared responsibility between parents to
decide on and attain the preferred number of children, as well as the spacing and timing of
their children based on their family life goals. This decision considers factors such as
psychological readiness, health status, socio-cultural and economic considerations, and
aligns with their religious convictions.
(w) Sexual health refers to a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being
concerning sexuality. It involves fostering a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and
sexual relationships, ensuring the opportunity for pleasurable and safe sexual experiences
that are free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.
(x) A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) refers to any infection that can be acquired or
transmitted through sexual contact, the use of intravenous (IV) drug needles, childbirth, and
breastfeeding.
(y) Skilled birth attendance refers to the management of childbirth by a trained health
professional, with the necessary equipment and support from a functioning health system.
This includes access to transport and referral facilities for emergency obstetric care when
needed.
(z) A skilled health professional refers to a midwife, doctor, or nurse who has received education
and training in managing both normal and complicated pregnancies, childbirth, and the
immediate postnatal period. Additionally, they are equipped with the skills to identify,
manage, and appropriately refer complications in women and newborns.
a. Sustainable human development involves placing people, especially the poor and
vulnerable, at the core of the development process. The primary objective is to establish an
enabling environment wherein everyone can lead long, healthy, and productive lives. This
approach is implemented in a way that upholds people's rights, safeguards life opportunities
for future generations, and preserves the natural ecosystem vital to all life.

Section 5. Hiring of Skilled Health Professionals for Maternal Health Care and Skilled Birth
Attendance
LGUs should aim for an ideal ratio of skilled health professionals to patients for maternal health care.
Adequate numbers of nurses, midwives, and other professionals are crucial, with special attention to
geographically isolated or densely populated areas. The national government must provide
additional funding for effective implementation. Midwives and nurses are authorized to administer
life-saving drugs under emergency conditions, given proper training and certification according to
DOH guidelines.

Section 6. Health Care Facilities

LGUs should establish or upgrade facilities with qualified personnel for emergency obstetric and
newborn care, especially in geographically isolated or densely populated areas. The national
government will provide additional funding and assistance for effective implementation.

Section 7. Access to Family Planning

All accredited public health facilities must offer a complete range of modern family planning
methods, including medical consultations, supplies, and reasonable procedures for impoverished
and marginalized couples facing infertility issues. Private health facilities are required to provide
family planning services to paying patients, with the option to offer free care to indigents. Exceptions
apply to non-maternity specialty hospitals and those owned by religious groups, with the provision to
refer individuals seeking care to another accessible health facility. This referral is mandatory unless
the person is in an emergency or serious condition as defined in Republic Act No. 8344.
No one can be denied information and access to family planning services, be it natural or artificial.
However, minors must secure written consent from their parents or guardians for access to modern
family planning methods, unless they are already parents or have experienced a miscarriage.

Section 8. Maternal Death Review and Fetal and Infant Death Review

All Local Government Units (LGUs), national and local government hospitals, and other public health
units are mandated to conduct an annual Maternal Death Review and Fetal and Infant Death Review
following the guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH). The objective is to generate
evidence-based programs and budgets, fostering the development of more responsive reproductive
health services that promote women's health and safe motherhood.

Section 9. The Philippine National Drug Formulary System and Family Planning Supplies

The National Drug Formulary will include safe and effective family planning products and supplies.
Selection and inclusion in the Essential Drugs List will follow established guidelines, including FDA
certification ensuring non-abortifacient use. These items are mandated for regular procurement in
national hospitals, with the exception of emergency contraceptives, postcoital pills, and
abortifacients intended for such purposes.

Section 10. Procurement and Distribution of Family Planning Supplies

The Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for procuring, distributing to Local Government Units
(LGUs), and monitoring the usage of family planning supplies nationwide. The DOH will collaborate
with relevant local government bodies to plan and execute this procurement and distribution
program. The allotments for supplies and budget will be determined based on factors such as the
current and projected:
(a) Number of women of reproductive age and couples desiring to space or limit their children;

(b) Contraceptive prevalence rate, categorized by the type of method used; and

(c) Cost of family planning supplies.

However, LGUs have the option to implement their own procurement, distribution, and monitoring
program in line with the overall provisions of this Act and the guidelines set by the DOH.

Section 11. Integration of Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Component in Anti-
Poverty Programs

A comprehensive approach will be taken in implementing policies and programs to combat poverty.
To achieve this, the Department of Health (DOH) will prioritize the full access of poor and
marginalized women identified through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty
Reduction (NHTS-PR) and other government measures for identifying marginalization to
reproductive health care, services, products, and programs. The DOH is tasked with providing these
programs, along with technical support, including capacity building and monitoring.

Section 12. PhilHealth Benefits for Serious and Life-Threatening Reproductive Health
Conditions

Serious and life-threatening reproductive health conditions, including HIV and AIDS, breast and
reproductive tract cancers, obstetric complications, and menopausal and post-menopausal-related
conditions, will receive maximum benefits. This includes the provision of Anti-Retroviral Medicines
(ARVs) as outlined in the guidelines set by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC).

Section 13. Mobile Health Care Service

The national or local government has the option to furnish each provincial, city, municipal, and
district hospital with a Mobile Health Care Service (MHCS), such as a van or other suitable means of
transportation based on the terrain and healthcare needs of each Local Government Unit (LGU). The
MHCS is intended to deliver health care goods and services, particularly to the poor and needy, and
disseminate knowledge and information on reproductive health. Skilled health providers will operate
the MHCS, which will be adequately equipped with a variety of health care materials and information
dissemination devices, including, but not limited to, a television set for audio-visual presentations. All
MHCS operations will be under the jurisdiction of LGUs in provinces and highly urbanized cities.

Section 14. Age- and Development-Appropriate Reproductive Health Education.

The State is mandated to provide age- and development-appropriate reproductive health education
to adolescents. This education will be delivered by adequately trained teachers in both formal and
non-formal educational systems and integrated into relevant subjects, including but not limited to
values formation; knowledge and skills in self-protection against discrimination, sexual abuse,
violence against women and children, gender-based violence, and teen pregnancy; physical, social,
and emotional changes in adolescents; women's rights and children's rights; responsible teenage
behavior; gender and development; and responsible parenthood. Flexibility in course content, scope,
and methodology is allowed after consultations with parents-teachers-community associations,
school officials, and other interest groups. The Department of Education (DepED) is responsible for
formulating a curriculum for public schools, which may be adopted by private schools.

Section 15. Certificate of Compliance

No marriage license will be issued by the Local Civil Registrar unless the applicants present a
Certificate of Compliance. This certificate, issued for free by the local Family Planning Office,
confirms that the applicants have received sufficient instructions and information on responsible
parenthood, family planning, breastfeeding, and infant nutrition.

Section 16. Capacity Building of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs)

The Department of Health (DOH) is tasked with disseminating information and offering training
programs to Local Government Units (LGUs). With technical assistance from the DOH, the LGUs will
be responsible for training Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and other barangay volunteers in
promoting reproductive health. The DOH will supply the LGUs with the necessary medical supplies
and equipment for BHWs to perform their duties effectively. Additionally, the national government is
obligated to provide extra funding and essential assistance for the effective implementation of this
provision, potentially including additional honoraria for BHWs.

Section 17. Pro Bono Services for Indigent Women.

Private and nongovernment reproductive healthcare service providers, including gynecologists and
obstetricians, are encouraged to offer a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours annually of reproductive
health services. These services should encompass providing information and education, as well as
delivering medical services, free of charge to indigent and low-income patients identified through the
National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) and other government
measures for identifying marginalization, with a particular focus on pregnant adolescents. The
provision of forty-eight (48) hours of annual pro bono services is a prerequisite for accreditation
under PhilHealth.

Section 18. Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

Cities and municipalities are required to eliminate barriers to reproductive health services for
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) through the following measures:

(a) Ensuring physical access and resolving transportation and proximity issues to clinics, hospitals,
places where public health education is provided, contraceptives are sold or distributed, or other
locations offering reproductive health services;

(b) Adapting examination tables and other laboratory procedures to the needs and conditions of
PWDs;

(c) Increasing access to information and communication materials on sexual and reproductive health
in braille, large print, simple language, sign language, and pictures;

(d) Providing continuing education and including the rights of PWDs among healthcare providers;
and
(e) Undertaking activities to raise awareness and address misconceptions among the general public
regarding the stigma and lack of knowledge on the sexual and reproductive health needs and rights
of PWDs.

Section 19. Duties and Responsibilities

(a) Pursuant to the herein declared policy, the DOH shall serve as the lead agency for the
implementation of this Act and shall integrate in their regular operations the following functions:
(1) Fully and efficiently implement the reproductive health care program;
(2) Ensure people’s access to medically safe, non-abortifacient, legal, quality and affordable
reproductive health goods and services; and
(3) Perform such other functions necessary to attain the purposes of this Act.

(b) The DOH, in coordination with the PHIC, as may be applicable, shall:

(1) Strengthen the capacities of health regulatory agencies to ensure safe, high quality, accessible
and affordable reproductive health services and commodities with the concurrent strengthening and
enforcement of regulatory mandates and mechanisms;
(2) Facilitate the involvement and participation of NGOs and the private sector in reproductive health
care service delivery and in the production, distribution and delivery of quality reproductive health
and family planning supplies and commodities to make them accessible and affordable to ordinary
citizens;
(3) Engage the services, skills and proficiencies of experts in natural family planning who shall
provide the necessary training for all BHWs;
(4) Supervise and provide assistance to LGUs in the delivery of reproductive health care services
and in the purchase of family planning goods and supplies; and
(5) Furnish LGUs, through their respective local health offices, appropriate information and
resources to keep the latter updated on current studies and researches relating to family planning,
responsible parenthood, breastfeeding and infant nutrition.

(c) The FDA shall issue strict guidelines with respect to the use of contraceptives, taking into
consideration the side effects or other harmful effects of their use.
(d) Corporate citizens shall exercise prudence in advertising its products or services through all
forms of media, especially on matters relating to sexuality, further taking into consideration its
influence on children and the youth.

Section 20. Public Awareness

The DOH and LGUs will run an ongoing nationwide multimedia campaign to boost public awareness
of reproductive health and rights, covering areas such as maternal health, family planning,
responsible parenthood, adolescent and youth reproductive health, guidance and counseling, and
other related services under Section 4(q). The education materials will be regularly reviewed for
effectiveness and relevance.

Section 21. Reporting Requirements

Before April's end each year, the DOH will submit an annual consolidated report to the President and
Congress, assessing the implementation of its programs and those of other government agencies. It
will recommend priorities for executive and legislative actions. The report will be distributed to
national agencies, LGUs, NGOs, and private sector organizations involved in the programs. It will
evaluate the content, implementation, and impact of all reproductive health and family planning
policies to ensure they promote, protect, and fulfill women's reproductive health and rights.

Section 22. Congressional Oversight Committee on Reproductive Health Act.

A Congressional Oversight Committee (COC) will be formed with five members from both the
Senate and the House of Representatives, appointed by their respective leaders, including at least
one minority representative. The COC, led by the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Health and
Demography and the House Committee on Population and Family Relations, will utilize existing
Secretariat personnel. Its role includes monitoring and ensuring effective Act implementation,
recommending legislation or administrative measures, and conducting a review every five years. The
COC will perform additional duties as needed to achieve the Act's objectives.

Section 23. Prohibited Acts.

The following actions are prohibited:

(a) Any health care service provider, whether public or private, who:
(1) Knowingly withholds information or intentionally provides incorrect information about
reproductive health programs and services, including the right to informed choice and access
to legal, medically-safe, non-abortifacient, and effective family planning methods;
(2) Refuses legal and medically-safe reproductive health procedures on the grounds of
lack of consent or authorization, except in cases of disagreement during spousal consent
where the decision of the individual undergoing the procedure prevails, and parental consent
in instances involving abused minors, provided the parent or guardian is not the accused
perpetrator;
(3) Refuses quality health care services and information based on marital status, gender,
age, religious convictions, personal circumstances, or nature of work, except for
conscientious objections based on ethical or religious beliefs, which must be respected.
Conscientious objectors must promptly refer the individual to another accessible health care
provider unless in emergency situations as defined in Republic Act No. 8344;
(b) Any public officer with the duty to implement the provisions who restricts legal and medically-safe
reproductive health care services, coerces individuals to use or not use such services, refuses
budget allocation, or hinders program implementation;
(c) Any employer suggesting, requiring, unduly influencing, or causing applicants or employees to
undergo sterilization or use specific family planning methods as a condition for employment,
continued employment, promotion, or benefits;
(d) Any person falsifying a Certificate of Compliance as required in Section 15 of this Act;
(e) Any pharmaceutical company or its agents colluding with government officials in the distribution,
procurement, or sale of modern family planning supplies, products, and devices by the national
government and LGUs.

Section 24. Penalties

Violations of this Act or prohibited acts incur penalties, including imprisonment (1-6 months), a fine
(P10,000.00-P100,000.00), or both. Public officers may face additional penalties, such as
suspension, removal, and forfeiture of retirement benefits. Juridical persons' penalties apply to their
president or responsible officer. Alien offenders face immediate deportation. Pharmaceutical
companies, agents, or distributors may have their license revoked, and a fine triple the violation
amount imposed.
Section 25. Appropriations

The funds specified in the current annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) for reproductive health,
natural and artificial family planning, and responsible parenthood under the DOH and other relevant
agencies will be used for this Act. Additional funds needed for upgrading facilities, training health
providers, family planning commodities, and other services will be included in future general
appropriations. LGUs and national agencies can use Gender and Development (GAD) funds for Act
implementation.

Section 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)

Within 60 days of this Act taking effect, the DOH Secretary or designated representative, in
collaboration with representatives from DepED, DSWD, Philippine Commission on Women, PHIC,
Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Economic and Development Authority,
League of Provinces, League of Cities, and League of Municipalities, along with NGOs, faith-based
groups, people's, women's, and youth organizations, will jointly create rules and regulations for its
effective implementation. The IRR drafting committee, selected by the DOH Secretary, must include
at least four (4) members from NGOs.

Section 27. Interpretation Clause

This Act will be interpreted liberally to ensure the provision, delivery, and access to reproductive
health care services, as well as to promote, protect, and fulfill women's reproductive health and
rights.

Section 28. Separability Clause.

If any part or provision of this Act is deemed invalid or unconstitutional, the unaffected provisions will
remain in force and effect.

Section 29. Repealing Clause

With the exception of existing laws against abortion, any law, presidential decree, issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation that contradicts or is
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, including Republic Act No. 7392 (Midwifery Act), is
hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

Section 30. Effectivity.

This Act will become effective fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.

SOURCE: https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2012/ra_10354_2012.html
SUMMARIZATION:

Republic Act No. 10354, also known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of
2012, aims to promote and ensure universal access to reproductive health care services in the
Philippines. The key points of the law include:

1. Comprehensive Reproductive Health Services:

The law mandates the provision of a wide range of reproductive health services, including
family planning, maternal care, and responsible parenthood information.

2. Prohibition of Certain Acts:

It prohibits acts such as withholding information on reproductive health services, refusing

legal and medically-safe procedures based on certain grounds, and discrimination in
providing health care services.

3. Congressional Oversight Committee (COC):

A COC is established to monitor and ensure the effective implementation of the Act,
recommending legislative measures and conducting periodic reviews.

4. Penalties for Violations:

Violations of the Act may lead to penalties, including imprisonment, fines, suspension, or
removal from public office, depending on the nature of the offense.

5. Funding:

The law allocates funds from the annual General Appropriations Act for reproductive health
programs. Gender and Development (GAD) funds from LGUs and national agencies can
also be used for implementation.

6. Rules and Regulations:

A joint committee is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations within 60 days of the
Act's effectivity for its effective implementation.

7. Repeal or Modification of Conflicting Laws:

Any law, decree, issuance, order, rule, or regulation conflicting with the provisions of the Act
is repealed, modified, or amended.

8. Effective Date:

The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two newspapers of
general circulation.