Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS 3.1 JUL 2013

First Regular Session Yi]
HOUSE BILLNO.__ 2.1.26

INTRODUCED BY REP. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This proposal hopes to improve and expand the availability of and access to
required comprehensive matemity care services that enable pregnant young girls to
obtain proper care and to help pregnant adolescents and their parents to become
productive independent contributors to family and community life.

Presently, the Department of Health extends free prenatal and postnatal
consultations geared towards reducing matemal and infant mortality. However, it seems
that there is a need for improvement on the existing institutional set-up because as of
now, pregnancy among unmarried teenagers remains one of the most difficult and far-
reaching social problems of our country.

Therefore, in keeping with Article Il, Section 12 of the 1987 Constitution, which
declared in essence that the State is mandated to equally protect the life of the mother
and the life of the unbom from conception, this measure directs the government to
provide prenatal and postnatal matemity services in the home of pregnant teenagers in
‘order to protect their health as well as the future well-being of their newboms.

Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

Moke. Titi

MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO
Representative
4" District, City of Marikina


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2126

INTRODUCED BY REP. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH HOME VISITING PROGRAM

Be it enacted by the Senate and 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.”

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

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the following terms are hereby
defined:

(a) Secretary refers to the Secretary of the Department of Health;

(b) Low income refers 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

SEC. 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.

SEC. 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.

SEC. 6. Maternal and Child Health Services. — The matemal and child health services,
which may be provided in the home of eligible individuals, shall include the following:

(a) Instruction and counseling regarding future health care for the woman and her
child;

(b) Nutrition counseling;

(0) Counseling and education conceming all aspect of prenatal care, childbirth and
motherhood; and

(d) General family counseling, including child and family development.

SEC. 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.



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

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby modified, repealed, or amended accordingly,

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

Approved,