Gabriela party-list nominee wants to decriminalize abortion in PH

(From left) Gabriela women’s party-list Representatives Cathy Estavillo, Sarah Elago, and Dr. Jean Lindo together file the certification of nomination and acceptance. INQUIRER.net / John Eric Mendoza

MANILA, Philippines — A nominee of Gabriela said the party-list group is in favor of decriminalizing abortion in the Philippines.

Gabriela’s first nominee former Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago filed the feminist party’s certification of nomination and acceptance (Cona) at the Manila Hotel Tent City on Friday.

READ: PH’s restrictive abortion laws lead to unsafe abortion, deaths

Elago was joined by Cathy Estavillo, and Dr. Jean Lindo, Gabriela’s second and third nominees, respectively.

The three House seat aspirants faced the media after the filing of Cona and entertained questions from journalists especially on the issue of abortion.

“We are for decriminalization of women who opt for abortion,” Lindo said in response.

Lindo noted that countries that decriminalized abortion saw a decrease in cases of pregnancy termination.

“If we compare Italy, which is the seat of Roman Catholicism, to the Philippines which abortion is restrictive, has a lower rate of abortion in comparison,” she also said.

Elago, for her part, also said Gabriela is pushing for “zero maternal deaths” when it comes to giving birth.