Tiffany Anne J.

Sullesta BEED 2
Government Team
Government Whip

Pleasant morning, ladies and gentlemen. To my fellow teammates,

the opposing team, Mr. Adjucator Panel, and our attentive
audience, I extend a warm greeting. My name is Tiffany Anne
Sullesta, and it is both an honor and a pleasure to stand before
you today as the third speaker, advocating as the Government
Whip of the affirmative side in the proposition of Legalizing
Abortion in the Philippines.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, as we debate the vital subject of legalizing abortion in the
Philippines, we must thoroughly understand not just the statistical
facts but also the human experiences that shed light on the
heartbreaking realities that our women face under restrictive
laws. The tale of Anna, as recounted by The Guardian, exemplifies
why our government’s position on legalizing abortion is both
important and right.
First and foremost, we must recognize that women’s autonomy
and agency are essential human rights. Sen and Batliwala (2000)
underline how important it is to enable women to make decisions
about their own bodies. These are not privileges, but rather basic
rights that safeguard the ability of women to pursue their physical
and emotional well-being without excessive pressure or
interference.
Anna, a young woman from Manila, painfully exemplifies the
negative implications of our existing draconian abortion
legislation. Pregnant and alone due to a breakdown in familial
bonds and public criticism, Anna turned to the risky shadows of
internet markets to get abortion pills—a move motivated by
desperation and fear (Ratcliffe & Ramos, 2022). Her ensuing
medical emergency, aggravated by the stigma that caused her to
be avoided by several institutions, emphasizes the critical need
for accessible and safe abortion services.
Ladies and gentlemen, consider the restrictive nature of our
current abortion legislation as outlined in Section 256 of the
Revised Penal Code. The current law narrowly limits the conditions
under which abortion is legal, failing to effectively protect
women’s health, autonomy, and human rights. It is critical that we
examine the required changes to provide a more compassionate,
equitable, and health-focused approach to this deeply personal
decision.
Firstly, abortions are only permitted under the current legal
framework if the pregnant woman’s life or physical health is in
danger. This narrow focus overlooks some crucial variables that
influence a woman’s well-being. For example, pregnancy can
have a significant impact on mental health. A woman’s mental
health risks, such as severe depression or anxiety, may warrant
an abortion. As such, an amendment is required to add the
preservation of mental health as a legal reason for abortion.
Furthermore, present laws do not address pregnancies caused by
rape or incest. Expecting a woman to carry a pregnancy to term
under such conditions can be a huge psychological and emotional
strain. It is critical that our laws be changed to include rape and
incest as grounds for legal abortion, so that victims are not
further traumatized by a lack of reproductive options.
On top of that, serious fetal deficits, which may not be evident
until after the present legal abortion thresholds, should be taken
into account within the legal framework. When a fetus is identified
with diseases that are incompatible with life outside the womb or
will result in severe handicap, parents should be able to make an
informed decision based on complete medical advice, free of the
added weight of legal restraints.
It is also essential to address the socioeconomic variables that
influence a woman’s decision to get an abortion. Economic
hardship, a lack of support systems, and limited access to
healthcare can all have a significant impact on a woman’s
capacity to sustain a healthy pregnancy and care for her kid. Our
laws must reflect compassion and understanding by recognizing
these issues as legitimate reasons for accessing safe and legal
abortion services.
Furthermore, the criminalization of abortion does not prevent it
but drives it underground, leading to unsafe procedures that
endanger women’s lives. We propose the decriminalization of
abortion to ensure that all women have access to safe, legal, and
professional medical care, thereby reducing the incidence of
maternal morbidity and mortality.

To achieve these objectives, we must establish comprehensive

educational initiatives that educate the public on reproductive
rights and safe abortion, while simultaneously countering
misinformation and stigma. The government must ensure that
medical practitioners receive enough training in safe abortion
techniques and post-abortion care.
As the government whip, it is my duty to address and counter the
points raised by the opposition in this debate on the crucial issue
of legalizing abortion. (The opposition has presented various
concerns, yet their arguments often overlook the fundamental
rights and health risks associated with our current restrictive
laws.)
As a whole, ammendment of the Philippines’ current abortion law
is about more than just changing the law; it is about recognizing
women’s dignity and rights, safeguarding health, and promoting
equality. Let us push for legislation that properly address the
needs and rights of all residents. Let us proceed with compassion
and respect for the autonomy of our women.
The government’s stance is clear and supported by substantial
facts. Legalizing abortion is more than just providing a medical
treatment; it also protects women’s rights, saves lives, and
upholds ethical standards in our healthcare system. It is time for
us to take decisive action to not only protect women, but also to
empower them to make decisions about their own bodies without
fear, bias, or discrimination. Let us act with compassion and
forethought, and advocate for a future in which no woman has
deliberately endangered her life out of desperation.
Our opponents might argue that legalizing abortion could lead to
higher abortion rates. (However, this notion is contradicted by
data showing that the legality of abortion does not correlate with
increased abortion rates but correlates strongly with safer
procedures) (Singh, S., & Bankole, A., 2016). The harrowing
estimate of 610,000 induced abortions in 2016 alone, as reported
by the Guttmacher Institute, attests to the failure of restrictive
laws to deter abortions; instead, they only serve to endanger
women’s lives (Singh, S., & Bankole, A., 2016).
In addition, the moral and ethical obligation to legalize abortion is
consistent with protecting women’s autonomy and physical
integrity. It empowers women like Anna to make health decisions
based on their unique values and circumstances, promoting a
more equal society. The tragic consequence for Anna, who
developed difficulties and died, leaving her family with enormous
medical debt, demonstrates the fatal impact of our current rules
(Ratcliffe & Ramos, 2022).

Ladies and gentlemen, the case for legalizing abortion is clear. It

is an issue of public health, justice, and human decency. Every
year, thousands of women like Anna die as a result of
unnecessary pain caused by our laws. It is our job, as a
government committed to its citizens’ welfare and rights, to
ensure that no other woman goes through what Anna did. We
must act compassionately and strategically, ensuring that our
laws reflect our values and dedication to human dignity and
health equity.
Let us advocate for a future in which women are able to make
safe, informed decisions about their bodies without fear of being
judged or harmed. It is time to align our laws with our moral
commitments and defend the lives and rights of all Filipino
women.
Thank you!