Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

°
House Bill No. 338

Introduced by Hon, Sol Aragones

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘A major problem that we are facing today is that of pregnancy particularly among
unmarried teenagers. This is generally prevalent among women aged 15-24 who are from low-
income family groups. Since it is at this stage where 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 has
been trying to provide for free prenatal and postnatal consultations designed to reduce the
incidence of maternal and infant mortality but the boost provided by a law can strengthen its
efforts.

‘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.

This bill seeks to improve and expand the availability of, and access to, needed
comprehensive maternity care services for women particularly low income pregnant adolescents.

ASE SG Ks

Representative, 3" District of Laguna


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

' 2
House Bill No. 333

Introduced by Hon. Sol Aragones

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
Health Home Visiting Program 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 Stale 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.

SE

ION 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 who is below 21 years of
age, 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 counselling regarding future health care for the woman and her

child;

(B) Nutrition counselling:

(C) Counselling and education concerning all aspects of prenatal care, childbirth and

motherhood:

(D) General family counselling, including child and family development counselling;

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 effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,