Islamic body issues ruling on BARMM family planning program

COTABATO CITY -- The Regional Darul Ifta (Islamic House of Opinion) issued Tuesday an inclusive ruling on the implementation of the government’s reproductive health and family planning programs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Health programs for BARMM are now under the teachings of Islam after the Darul Ifta issued a “fatwa” (Islamic ruling) on reproductive health and family planning, including the expanded program on immunization.

The issuance of a “fatwa” was a product of the series of public consultations conducted by the Ministry of Health (MOH) – BARMM across the region. Health programs implemented across the region are now contextualized for the BARMM and in harmony with the teachings of Islam, according to BARMM Health Minister Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan.

Dipatuan said “fatwa” is an Arabic term on Islamic ruling that must be observed by every Muslim. “The fatwa released on Tuesday shall guide Muslim communities on proper family planning and on how to ensure their reproductive health are implemented according to Islam,” he added.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim said he wanted to ensure that Muslim families have the freedom to decide on the health services they shall receive.

In addition to the launching of the “fatwa,” the MOH also introduced an expanded program on immunizations.

"We will make sure the immunization is halal (permissive) because halal in Islam is what is good on human beings," Ebrahim said.

Dipatuan lauded the Darul Ifta for the “fatwa” and urged all stakeholders in the region to work together with health providers for the successful implementation of government programs. BARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, Lamitan and the 63 barangays of North Cotabato. (PNA)