Filipino bishop praises fetus protection bill

(July 14,2010) In the Philippines, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa has praised the introduction of a House bill that will boost the protection of unborn children. House Bill - HB 13, looks to go further than existing legislation protecting fetuses, by specifically recognizing that human life exists when a sperm first penetrates the egg. Congressman Roilo Golez of Paranaque City filed the bill titled “Protection of the Unborn Child Act 2010” at the House of Representatives on July 1.
Archbishop Arguelles, a member of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said he favors HB 13 and that most bishops are happy about it. The bill is in line with Church teachings on when life begins, he said. “I’ve already urged the House Representatives from Batangas to support the bill,” he added. If the Bill becomes law, violators could be imprisoned for up to six months and be fined up to 50,000 pesos (US$1,100).