BRIEFS: Politics

Candidates oppose sexual health proposal

The draft bill on sexual and reproductive health is being heavily criticized by several opposition presidential candidates.

Juan Carlos Varela, the candidate for the Partido Panameñista and the Movimiento Liberal Republicano Nacionalista, said the bill represents an attack on the foundation of society.

“It is important to reach a broad agreement, but without being detrimental to the morals of the public,” he said.

Cambio Democrático candidate Ricardo Martinelli said the proposal is an aberration against the country's morals and suggested that there needs to be a broad discussion in the Asamblea on the topic.

The proposal came to the Asamblea Nacional last Monday. Immediately, it was attacked by some legislators and civil groups for being too aggressive in teaching sexual education in schools and for other measures designed to address the country's growing teen pregnancy issue.

Alibel Pizarro, of the Alianza de Mujeres, an organization that supports the proposal, noted that the document aims to improve sexual and reproductive health with a comprehensive education. She added that the proposal does not remove parental authority nor promote promiscuity.

“It helps young people to make responsible decisions,” she said.