Should the government provide contraceptives to the public?

This is one of the major debates in the Philippines these days. A proposed Reproductive Health bill would allow government funds to be used to promote artificial contraception, which is now prohibited in the Philippines. Many people doubt that the bill will be passed as it has been subject to massive criticism, mainly from the Catholic Church.

Contraceptives is a major expense for poor families. Maternal health care is another problem and the lifetime risk of maternal death for Filipinas is one in 140. For Swedes, it is 1 in 17,400. Food for thought...