As 4P’s Party-list Rep. Jonathan Clement “JC” Abalos is pushing for the passage of House Bill No. 11259 or the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACT) and Surrogacy Act, he reminded the public that its purpose should not go beyond family completion or procreation.
In an exclusive interview at Isyung Pambayan on Sunday, Abalos discussed the existence of strict rules and requirements for those interested in surrogacy. According to the lawmaker, surrogacy must not be used as capital, as it goes against the rule of law.
“Nilagay ko po dito na altruistic dapat ang surrogacy at hindi siya for commercial gain, dahil I always believe that the human body cannot be used as a form of capital. Kasi bawal po natin pagkakitaan ‘yan. I understand po na napakahirap ng ating buhay dito sa Pilipinas, ngunit hindi po makatarungan o hindi makatao, kung gagawin pong hanap-buhay ‘yan ng tao,” he said.
“Kailangan voluntary po ‘yan. That’s why it is highly encouraged po as much as possible kung yung surrogate ay relative po ng intending couple or in other circumstances, doon lang kukuha ng ibang tao,” he added.
Abalos mentioned that he heard several stories of people taking advantage of the procedure to exploit the children and sell their organs. Due to this, the lawmaker clarified that surrogacy must be used solely for procreation and the completion of a family.
What are the Requirements?
All people involved must agree to the data privacy and safekeeping of their information. The bill indicates the involvement of a dedicated commission who will be monitoring surrogacy clinics.
Aside from that, they’re also tasked to store the records of all the availing spouses and surrogates, including their medical histories. This ensures the leniency and protection of the children.
Similar to existing laws on adoption, the child’s birth certificate will indicate that the intended couple will be his/her parents.
Other legibility requirements mentioned by Abalos are the following:
- Both individuals must be between the age of 25 and 50 years old
- The couple must be married or in a de facto relationship
- Medical certificates stating the couple’s overall and physical well-being and qualification for surrogacy
- Ang agreement with parents stating that they will not abandon the child for any reason
With the 19th Congress nearing its end, Abalos mentioned that if he would re-file the bill, should he be re-elected for a position in Congress. However, due to its unconventional way of procreation, religious groups are sure to question the act. Despite this, Abalos is expecting the sector’s full support.
“Of Course, I am expecting po and I am very much hoping that I will get the support of all sectors from all stakeholders involved. Dahil ang batas na ito po, wala naman po itong pinipiling relihiyon, wala naman po itong pinipiling tao. Ang batas na ito po ay para sa lahat. At sa lahat po ng relihiyon, pinapahalagahan po natin ang pamilya,” he said.
“Naniniwala po ako na ang bawat mag-asawa ay may karapatan pong magsimula ng pamilya. Dahil ito rin po ang gusto ng ating Panginoon. However, we must realize po na dahil nag eevolve po ang tao, hindi lahat capable mag conceive ng anak,” he added.
“Magandang with the help of science, matulungan po natin ang bawat isa. Dahil it is a fundamental human right that must be allowed to all people; to start a family. Dahil kung walang pamilya, hindi po magkakaroon ng lipunan, at ‘yun po ang founding block ng ating society,” he ended.
