By Marivir R. Montebon
Quality of life begins in the womb, hence the mother’s health and happiness have to be ensured right at the moment of conception.
People must look outside the box, and without malice, on the nuances and complexity of reproductive health.
Reproductive health is for both men and women, and a public health issue. And one has to be mature and humane enough to see the larger picture that reproductive health is the basic requirement for the quality of life of every human being in this planet.
The basic elements of reproductive health, aren’t just condoms and contraceptive pills and abortion. Reproductive health is a holistic health care program for women and men in their procreation functions. It ensures physical and psychological well-being so that parental responsibilities are done well. Quality of life begins in the womb, hence the mother’s health and happiness have to be ensured right at the moment of conception.
At the first sign of heartbeat in the mother’s womb, isn’t it that our concern as a society and as an individual, is that we are prepared to take on a new life? Should it not be that the mother be healthy and happy during the entire period of her pregnancy? Should it not be that she knows how to take care of herself, know what to eat and do, when in the very critical period of life giving?
And for men, should it not that they also are healthy and be responsible citizens in procreation?
Therefore, the whole gamut of parenting is rooted on responsibility and capability. That is how reproductive health and rights have to be seen in context.
Proper reproductive health education and ethics are specifically required in the reproductive health issue. When we speak of it, procreating life should come to mind, no more, no less. If one is to become a parent, both man and woman must be prepared emotionally, economically, and physically, and not dictated upon by religion or society. All these noise about peripheral issues must be put to rest.
If we are to establish happy families, we begin by ensuring that reproductive health is thoroughly fulfilled. (Artwork by ML Kuker: Mother and Child – Magpaparos)
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