Oral Statement at the 86th Session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
The Oral Statement on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Justice was co-developed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, EnGendeRights, NoBox Philippines, NOVEL, Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network, and STRAP Kababaihan. It was presented by WGNRR’s Youth SRHR Officer, Danica Shahana Magtubo on October 9, 2023.
Madam Chair, thank you for the opportunity to speak on SRHR and justice in my country.
Every hour, more than 30 young women give birth, yet the state fails to recognize their autonomy.
At least 3 women die daily due to unsafe abortions.
Restrictive laws limit access to emergency contraceptives and comprehensive abortion care.
On average, there are 50 new HIV cases per day. Yet, HIV-related policies ignore the needs of trans women and gender-diverse people, young people, and women who use drugs.
Harm reduction services are limited due to the so-called ‘war on drugs’ policy in the country.
The gaps in the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, including on CSE, hinder the SRHR of women and girls with disabilities, those incarcerated, migrants, those living in remote rural, fragile, and disaster areas, indigenous and young women.
The state must fully realize the SRHR of women and girls in all their diversity and ensure:
- Full implementation of the Committee’s special inquiry recommendations on SRHR including CSE, abortion, emergency contraceptives, and third-party consent requirements.
- Adequate funding for universal health coverage and full range of SRH care including emergency contraceptives, trans health care, maternal health, and comprehensive abortion care, inclusive and accessible to women and girls with disabilities.
Thank you.
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You may view the full session here.