ONE of the proponents of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill, independent Rep. Edcel Lagman, is proposing “enlightening sessions” with the Catholic leaders while the measure is still pending in the plenary.

Lagman said that the call of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle for the resumption of dialogues on RH should not be limited to Malacañang officials but must include House leaders and the major proponents of the measure.

The solon proposed that dialogues be conducted separately or jointly with Palace representatives.

Lagman stressed that the agenda of the meeting must include the central concept of freedom of informed choice on the use of family planning methods from the natural to the modern which are legal, medically safe and truly effective and the recognition that the country has a population problem which is aggravated by limited resources.

The dialogue must also discuss issues on empirical linkage between population and sustainable human development, including poverty, human development agenda, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly on improvement of maternal health, reduction of infant mortality, attainment of universal primary education and eradication of extreme poverty and hunger.

In addition, Lagman said that RH bill envisions a comprehensive and nationwide policy on responsible parenthood, family planning and population development which are not particularly addressed by existing laws and changing policies.

“There is need to institutionalize and codify related statutes and policies on reproductive health, women’s rights, child nutrition and protection, prevention of violence against women and allied concerns, and earmark adequate funding,” he said.