inaccessible healthcare, RH delay led to increase in maternal deaths -Ilagan

Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Luz Ilagan today said the increase in maternal deaths and the worsening health situation of women in the Philippines is but an unfortunate consequence of the Aquino government’s failure to prioritize policy and legislation that will improve Filipino women’s access to healthcare. 

“The increase in maternal deaths is a direct and inevitable consequence of poverty, malnutrition and the inaccessibility of healthcare. All over the country women are suffering from malnutrition, practically making every pregnancy a high risk pregnancy.”

The Gabriela solon further said that women are being charged high laboratory fees for ultrasounds, urinalysis and blood tests necessary in ensuring safe and healthy pregnancies. The Aquino administration has been implementing budget cuts on government hospitals and primary healthcare while dilly-dallying on the RH bill.

According to the National Statistics Office’ 2011 Family Health Survey, maternal mortality rate in the country went up to 221 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2010, from 162 deaths in 2006. “This tragedy of maternal deaths should prompt a significant increase in the budgetary allocation for healthcare and the approval of the RH Bill.” #