Abstract

In a country in which contraception is controversial, abortion illegal and in which reproductive rights are limited, IVF is an unaffordable dream for most couples. But things are slowly changing in the only Christian democracy in Asia: the Philippines. In December 2012 the Senate passed the Reproductive Health bill and president Benigno Aquino III signed the measure into a law which is still not implemented due to the opposition of the ultra-orthodox Roman Catholic Church. However, the more liberal perspective of pope Francis on sexuality and human reproduction may have an positive impact on this issue. While government funding for contraceptives is still being opposed, the IVF market is estimated to grow considerable. This creates promising opportunities.