Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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 the low-income bracket.  Since it is at this stage when they 
are supposed to be enjoying their lives, their pregnancies are often considered 
untimely or unwanted.  Hence, the maturity and preparedness required of every 
parent are oftentimes wanting. 
The Department of Health provides 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 pregnant adolescents to obtain proper care and to 
assist pregnant adolescents and adolescent parents to become productive 
independent contributors to family and community life. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
November 10, 2022
2:54 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
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 maternity 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 newborn children.  
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, the term: 
(A)
“Secretary” 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 
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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;  
(B) 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 order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation 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,