Contraception in Manila

Hi,

I%26#39;m supposed to be moving to Manila in a few months with work for a year. I watched a BBC documentary at the weekend about the Philippines where i got the impression that all contraception was illegal in Manila, including Condoms.

As a young westerner, this is somewhat alarming. Can someone clarify for me whether this is true or not?

Thanks.

Contraception in Manila

Hi Pulp

I saw that documentary also here in the UK, and as my wife is from there and visited there a few times to my knowledge you can buy them in alot of mainstream chemist shops, question market over market stalls but I%26#39;ve never seen them in mens toilet areas even though I%26#39;ve used nice Hotels. I think although its a big church debate I think its g slightly getting more relaxed, although to be honest I dont really go looking for them. Its crazy, when you arrive off bus in Metro Manila like Ermita area loads of Vendors are trying to grab Joe (ie any Western male) and selling you viagra or ciallis but never thought do they do french letters. Anyway on the slight change of subject what about those poor souls living in that cementry from the programme, I hope the people here realise and thank their lucky stars about how lucky we are, although not always how it should be in state help Britain. All those poor people want is a decent job and a decent environment to live in and the poverty in SEAsia is really sad.

Contraception in Manila

dont be alarmed. while the catholic church is fuming red for sale of condom, it is freely available as the previous poster has claimed.

It is not illegal, but the priests frown on it alleging it is against the decree of some god.

condoms are widely available in convenient stores and most drug stores.

BCPs and depot shots are common. Abortion, however, is illegal.

Yeah, it was a good documentary in fairness but i would have liked if they showed the better sides of Manila instead of just the slums/overcrowing and poverty.

A look into its thriving CBD in Makati and the nightlife would have balanced it out a little better i thought.

In saying that, their portrayal of the reproductive health bill was confusing to say the least, they could have made it a little clearer.

Its good to hear that contraception is freely available. As you might know we (Irish people) were heavily influenced by the Catholic Church for many decades. (92% Catholic Country)

Thankfully, common sense prevailed and the close ties between the Church and Government have seperated drastically in the past 20 years. (Contraception was only legalised in Ireland in the 80%26#39;s)

Anyway, thanks for that clearing up.

Cant wait to move!!

Pulp