Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 8493

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F, VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH
HOME VISITING PROGRAM

The Constitution, Article II, Section 12, mandates the State to equally protect the life of
the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. In line with this provision, the State
must provide prenatal and postnatal maternity care services in the home of pregnant
teenagers in order to protect their health as well as the future health and well-being of
their newborn children.

Pregnancy among unmarried teenagers is one of the most difficult and far-reaching
social problems in our country today. This is generally prevalent among women aged
15-24 who are from low-income bracket. Since it is at this stage where they are
supposed to be enjoying their lives, their pregnancies are often considered untimely or
unwanted. Hence, maturity and preparedness required of every parent are oftentimes
wanting.

The Department of Health provides for free prenatal and postnatal consultations
designed to reduce the incidence of maternal and infant mortality.

This bill seeks to improve and expand the availability of, and access to, needed
comprehensive maternity care services that enable the pregnant adolescents to obtain
proper care and to assist pregnant adolescents and adolescent parents to become
prodiictive independent contributors to family and community life.

Luis combo He F/VILLAFUERTE, JR.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no. 8493

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH
HOME VISITING PROGRAM

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Maternal and Infant Care Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the declared policy of the State to equally
protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. In line with this
policy, the State must provide pre-natal and postnatal matemity care services in the
home of pregnant women in order to protect their health as welll as the future health and
well-being of their newborn children.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the term:

(A) “Si ry" refers to the Secretary of the Department of Health; and

(B) ‘Low income” means, with respect to an individual or family with an income
determined to be below the income official poverty line defined by the Department of
Budget and Management.

SECTION 4. Eligibility of Individuals. — A pregnant woman, not more than twenty-one (21)
years old, or families with an infant up to the age of one (1), belonging to the low-income
bracket, shall be eligible to receive maternal and infant care services provided under this
Act.

SECTION 5. Establishment of Maternal and Infant Health Home Visiting Program. — The
Secretary shall require health centers to designate an appropriate health professional or
a qualified nonprofessional acting under the supervision of a health care professional


who shall deliver maternal and child health services in the home of eligible individuals.

SECTION 6. Maternal and Child Health Services. - The maternal and child health
services, which may be provided in the home to eligible individuals, shall include the
following:

(A) Instruction and counseling regarding future health care for the woman and her child;
(8) Nutrition counseling;

(C) Counseling and education concerning all aspects of prenatal care, childbirth and
motherhood;

(D) General family counseling, including child and family development counseling; and
(E) Medical care or referral for medical care for the woman and her child.

SECTION 7. Prohibition on Abortion. - Any maternal and child health services which
shall be made available under this Act shall not advocate, promote, or encourage
abortion.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law of the provision not otherwise affected shall
remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
nistru A contrary to or
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended
accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,