Philippine President-Elect Duterte Promotes Birth Control Despite Catholic Church’s Opposition

The Atlantic: Contraception in the Philippines
“Filipino president-elect Rodrigo Duterte said Monday he would promote birth control in his country even though it goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church…” (Phippen, 6/27).

International Business Times: Philippines’ President-Elect Duterte Ready To Lock Horns With Catholic Church Over Contraception
“…Duterte, who is to be sworn in as president on Thursday, reportedly said that having too many children had forced poor families deeper into poverty and recommended that people have three children at most. The Philippines has one of Asia’s fastest-growing populations…” (Pascaline, 6/27).

Religion News Service/USA TODAY: Philippines’ Duterte takes on Catholic Church over contraception
“…The president elect said he was aware the move would position him against the church — in a country where 80 percent of people are Catholic. ‘I’ve also been colliding with the church because it’s no longer realistic,’ the president said referring to the church’s stand…” (Scammell, 6/27).

Washington Post: Philippines tough-guy leader defies Catholic Church on birth control
“…Roman Catholic officials in the Philippines have opposed artificial birth control and advocate only natural family-planning methods…” (Constable, 6/27).

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