FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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n 'J 
The Constitution, Article 11, 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 bili 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 productive independent 
contributors to family and community life.! 
1 This bill was originally filed during the Thirteenth Congress, First Regular Session 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.No. 1921 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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AN ACT 
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ESTABLISHING MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH HOME VISITING PROGRAM 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Maternal and Infant Care 
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Act." 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to equally 
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protect the life of the mother and the life ofthe unborn from conception. In line with this policy, 
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the Stale must provide pre-natal and postnatal maternity care services in the home of pregnant 
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women in order to protect their health as well as the future health and well-being of their 
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newborn children. 
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SECTION 3. Definition afTerms. -For purposes of this Act, the term: 
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(A) "Secretary" refers to the Secretary of the Department of Health; and 
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(B) "Low income" means, with respect to an individual or family with an mcome 
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determined to be below the income official poverty line defined by the Department of Budget 
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and Management 
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SECTION 4. Eligibility of Individuals. - A pregnant woman, not more than twenty-one 
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(21) years old, or families with an infant up to the age of one (I), belonging to the low-income 
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bracket, shall be eligible to receive maternal and infant care services provided under this Act. 
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, 
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SECTION 5. Establishment of Maternal and Infant Health Home Visiting Program. -
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The Secretary shall require health centers to designate an appropriate health professional 
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or a qualified nonprofessional acting under the supervision of a health care professional who 
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shall deliver maternal and child health services in the home of eligible individuals. 
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SECTION 6. Maternal and Child Health Services. - The maternal and child health 
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services, which may be provided in the home to eligible individuals, shall include the following: 
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(A). Instruction and counselling regarding future health care for the woman and her child; 
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(B) Nutrition counselling; 
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(C) Counselling and education concerning all aspects of prenatal care, childbirth and 
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motherhood; 
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(D) General family counselling, including child and family development counselling; and 
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(E) Medical care or referral for medical care for the woman and her child. 
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SECTION 7. Prohibition on Abortion. - Any maternal and child health services which 
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shall be made available under this Act shall not advocate, promote, or encourage abortion. 
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SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law of the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and subsisting. 
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SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
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with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, . 
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