"The silent bloodshed outside Quiapo church" by Miktam Adrielle Tolosa Martinez
Known as the home of the Black Nazarene, a life-sized image of Christ believed to hold miraculous healing powers, the Quiapo Church is often infested by swarms of devout Roman Catholic citizens. However, for many young Filipino women, the true life-saving miracle they desperately search for lies amongst the bustling grounds surrounding the church - the hotspot of lurking vendors offering various illegal abortion medications and practices.
As a proud Catholic country, the Philippines remains one of the few countries where women's choice over their bodies is stigmatised and criminalised. Abortion is prohibited altogether; no exemptions, even in severe cases such as incest, unconsented sex, or to save the woman's life. In this society, the life of the unborn is prioritised over that of the currently living woman.
Sexual education is also shunned, making it almost impossible for many young Filipino girls, especially those born in poverty, to learn of the potential adverse outcomes of sex: unwanted pregnancies and STDs. It is no surprise that, especially before the pandemic, the Philippines boasted high rates of teenage pregnancy - to the point where it has become an ordinary feat for girls
who have yet to reach 6th grade to talk about their children birthed. Even as I write this essay, it is not entirely out of reach to believe that somewhere outside the gates of Manila's Quiapo church stands a girl my age, burdened with a decision regarding the life and death of her own blood.
In a country where a president can get away with casually making rape and misogynistic jokes, it is clear that women are easily blamed for their sufferings. Not the lack of access to contraceptives nor the perpetrators who run free - the woman, who has been stripped of her right to adequate services and power over her own life and body - takes the guilt which trails along to her grave.
They are left with no one to rely on - instead, keeping the suffering to themselves until their lives end. The church that many put their hearts and soul into supporting is the same entity preventing young women from attaining the reproductive rights they deserve: the same entity is the sole reason thousands of young women are out in the streets hiding in agony and shame over something that is not solely their fault.
Many who visit the Quiapo Church looking for abortion pills include prostitutes, students, wives who can't bear and afford another child, and victims of harassment. A common factor? Most of them come from poor and minority groups - already struggling with their daily lives, and now have to face another burden they have no choice but to accept. Others, who can't even access pills, resort to other methods such as massaging the foetus out of the womb, taking concocted herbal medicines, or injuring themselves. If the woman does not die from the process, she'll have to bear with the torturing side effects that come along.
They can only hope their prayers will be heard; no ideal option is provided. They either choose to secretly abort - or give birth knowing that at their young age, they do not have the capacity nor experience to fully support their child - that they'll have to give up every inch of what's left of their soul and freedom solely to make sure their child has something to eat.
"You can always send them to the orphanage," others state in response to the above matter. While the child may be provided with their basic needs, would they prefer being away from their birth mother - given a choice? I recall the years' worth of Saturdays I spent with my family volunteering at the local orphanage. Many of the children that surrounded me were my age, even younger; I couldn't fathom being in their situation. I overheard once that they'd have to leave and fend for themselves at eighteen while I'll be in the arms of my two loving parents. What have they done to deserve such a life? I ask myself. I'm not sure who else to turn to.
At the very least, proper education - and the choice of abortion should be provided, especially in severe cases such as rape. You cannot argue for anti-abortion vouching for humanity while stripping thousands of their fundamental rights. How does a church that preaches for humanity continue to sing while silencing the cries of young women outside their very doors? The streets outside Quiapo church continue to drown in the stench of irony and blood.