Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 2904 __—.

Authored by HON. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

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 wellbeing 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 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 often times, wanting.

The Department of Health provides for free prenatal and
postnatal consultations designed to reduce the incidence of maternal
and infant mortality. But due to several reasons, one of which is the
financial difficulty encountered by the pregnant unmarried teenagers,
pre-natal and post natal services have been ignored.

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.

The early passage of this bill, therefore is highly recommended

=a"

: JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2554

HOUSE BILL NO.

Authored by HON. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING 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 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 prenatal and postnatal maternity care services in the home of
pregnant women in order to protect their health as well as the future
health and wellbeing of their newborn children.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the
term:

(a) “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of the Department of
Health.

(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 National Economic and Development Authority.

SEC. 4. Eligibility of Individuals. - A pregnant woman not
more than 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 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; and

(e) medical care or referral for medical care for the woman and
her child.

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 my provision, or part hereof is
held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the
provision 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 is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

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

Approved,