The Roman Catholic hierarchy considers human life to begin at conception or fertilization, which is when the sperm and ovum unite. The biomedical definition is different, defining an embryo to begin its existence upon implantation in the uterus. This implantation, called nidation, takes place about one week after fertilization. Popular concepts of fertilization and pregnancy are different from biomedical and Catholic religious definitions. An abortion at this stage is described as pampabalik ng regla, restoring menstruation.
Abortion is widespread even with, and maybe because of existing laws.
Further criminalizing abortion will not be useful. In Manila, the blackmarket price for the drug is P50 each and in areas outside Manila, they can go up as high as P250 each. Abortions occur in the most restrictive conditions. Increasing the penalties will only mean higher fees and more clandestine practices, putting many more lives at risk. Provide adequate information on contraception.