Journal Article Review
Name: Benedick L. Bautista
Subject: MST 101c – Human Reproduction
Professor: Francis C. Rayo
Journal
Title
Journal
Description
Journal
Article Title
Author/s
Article
Details
Article
Summary
Critical
Analysis
Learnings
Acta Medica Philippina
Publication
--Details
Addressing Contraceptive Misconceptions in the Philippines: The Role of Primary Healthcare Provider
Melissa D. Amosco, MD, PhD
Article
Literature Review
Type
The article talks about the misconceptions regarding contraception in the Philippines despite the efforts made
such as enacting the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law where it aims to improve access
to health care but due to traditional beliefs overpowering the scientific evidences, misinformation regarding
the used of contraceptives still prevails. Due to limited access to counseling,contraceptive use is still
considered taboo increasing reluctance. This contributed to the high rate of unplanned pregnancy in which
according to UNFPA’s 2022 report reach 51% with teenage birth rates remaining high.The article
emphasized the role of primary healthcare providers in terms of educating the mass. By implementing proper
interventions such as integrating family planning discussions in routine care, outreach to community health
workers and teenage awareness counseling. Additionally, the article highlighted the furtherance of
professional development and training for healthcare providers through continuous leaning.
The article made by Melissa D. Amosoco, MD PhD discussed the issues faced by the Philippines regarding
the use of contraceptives by pointing the root of the problem and the reason it still prevails despite the laws
passed to combat it. The paper strongly expressed the role of primary healthcare providers as key factors
for change wherein acting with empathy and understanding approach aligning it with the global health
frameworks in dealing with reproductive health. The use of empirical date to point out the gap between the
policy implementation and actual practice in healthcare highlights the missed opportunities for education.
Despite its good points, the interventions proposed by the article are general and broad since it did not take
into account the problems that could arise such as constraint in resource and distribution of workforce.
The study shows that despite the implementation of Reproductive Health law, due to recurring beliefs that
are deeply rooted with Filipino culture and religious practices, the misconception regarding the use of
contraception continuously persist. This shows that law and policies alone are not enough to actually brought
the change intended by these laws without the collaboration of various sectors and communities.According
to the study, healthcare professionals such as obstetricians and gynecologist are the first and only point of
contact for women when dealing with reproductive health services and therefore shall be one of the primary
promoters of the family planning and proper reproductive health practices and improve initiative in bringing
correct knowledge about the use of contraceptives.
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