Planning to Have a Baby? Here’s the Reality of Childbirth in the PH
Welcoming a new baby is often considered one of life’s greatest joys. However, in the Philippines, the journey to parenthood can be challenging.
Childbirth here isn’t always as smooth or safe as hoped, especially for those with limited access to quality maternal healthcare. The path to parenthood can involve significant obstacles that impact both the mother’s and the baby’s well-being.
READ: The First 1,000 Days of a Baby are Critical…here’s why!
Data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reveals serious issues within the Philippines’ maternal healthcare system. In 2021, the country reported 2,478 maternal deaths from pregnancy-related complications or childbirth. This alarming number underscores critical problems in the system. The UNFPA report also shows that 14% of pregnant women lack essential medical care, including regular prenatal checkups. Additionally, one in ten women faces barriers to accessing health facilities or skilled healthcare personnel during childbirth. Financial constraints also burden families, making it difficult to manage the costs of childbirth and postpartum care.
Maternity Rights in the Philippines
Despite these challenges, the Philippines has made progress in improving maternal health through various legislative measures. The Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Nutrition Strategy, introduced in 2008, includes the “no home birth” policy, which aims to reduce maternal mortality by ensuring births occur in healthcare facilities equipped to handle complications. This policy provides a safer environment for both mother and baby.
Another significant piece of legislation is Republic Act No. 11148, known as the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act. This law encourages Local Government Units to integrate health and nutrition programs into local plans, focusing on combating malnutrition and enhancing maternal care from pregnancy through early childhood. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) promotes a coordinated approach involving national agencies, civil society, and local health units to tackle these issues.
The Expanded Maternity Leave Law, enacted in 2019, also supports working mothers by extending paid maternity leave to 105 days, with an additional 15 days for solo mothers. This extended leave allows new mothers to recover and bond with their newborns without the pressure of returning to work too soon.
Current Legislative Efforts
In addition to the previously mentioned initiatives, significant strides have been made in improving maternal healthcare, notably through the efforts of Deputy Speaker Camille Villar. She has been a strong advocate for enhancing maternal health and has introduced House Bill No. 5684. This bill aims to ensure that health institutions, hospitals, and maternity lying-ins are mandated to admit and assist expectant mothers in labor, eliminating barriers to safe childbirth.
Villar has also introduced the “Act Safeguarding the Health of Filipino Mothers at the Time of Their Childbirth,” which proposes the establishment of birthing facilities in every barangay. This initiative seeks to make childbirth more accessible and safer for all Filipino women. In addition, she is working to provide maternity kits to low-income pregnant women. These kits, which include essentials like blankets, diapers, and childcare products, are designed to improve prenatal care and reduce child mortality. The contents of these kits are planned to be updated every two years to ensure they meet current needs.
Through these legislative and policy efforts, the Philippines is making significant progress in addressing challenges in maternal healthcare and creating a safer environment for mothers and their babies.
