The Reproductive Health Bill has been ratified in the bicameral conference committee held by congress on December 19, marking the last step before it becomes a law. This signifies the conclusion of the controversial bill’s 14-year uphill battle against the institutions that condemned it, most notably the Roman Catholic Church, which had repeatedly cited a number of reasons as to why it shouldn’t be passed. President Benigno Aquino III, however, had declared the bill as one of his priority measures for 2012, even marking the bill “urgent” so he can sign it before the year ends.

So, what are the things every Filipina (and Filipino) should know about the RH Bill? Read on to find out!

(Photo by Jenny Lee Silver via Flickr Creative Commons)