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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
'64 
'd 
i.9 
+I 
J 
First Regular Session- 
1 
6 
344&S:I:l:<;t. 
i'l'ED E 8  :~.-- 
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S ENATE'. 
S. B. No. 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 11, Section 12, mandates the State to equally pro ect the 
life of the mother,and the life of the unborn from conception. In line with this pr k ision, 
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. Sinoe 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 
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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 the pregnant adolescents to obtain 
proper care and to assist pregnant adolescents and adolescent parents to 
ecome 
productive independent contributors to family and community life. 
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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
JIJl 26 
j3 1 
First Regular Session 
1 
6 
Congress assembled. 
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introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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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 prenatal and postnatal maternity care services in 
the home of pregnant women in order to protect their health as well as the fkture health 
and well-being of their newborn children. 
SECTION 3. Definition ofTerms. -For purposes of this Act, the term: 
(1) “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of the Department of Health. 
(2) “Low income” means, with respect to an individual or family with an 
income 
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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 (I), belonging 


to the low-illcome 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 
individuax.. 
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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: 
(1) instruction and counseling regarding future health care for the woman 
child; 
(2) nutrition counseling; 
(3) counseling and education concerning all aspects of prenatal care, childbirth 
and motherhood; 
(4) general family counseling, including child and family development 
counseling; and 
(5) 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-unconstitmtional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 


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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. Efectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved. 
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FN: 707 
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