Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have ratified the bicameral conference committee report reconciling the versions of the Reproductive Health bill passed by both chambers of Congress.
Kathrina Alvarez and Virgil Lopez of Sun.Star Online report the reconciled bill will make sexual and reproductive health education available to adolsecents, or those who are 10-19 years old. Private schools can opt out of teaching sex education and private hospitals can refuse to provide Reproductive Health services. "Minors have to seek permission as well from their parents before getting access to these services," the report said.
The Senate voted 11-5 in favor of the report while the House voted viva voce, or through ayes and nayes, with the ayes in the majority. With ratification, the bill will be sent to Malacañang for President Benigno Aquino III’s signature.
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