The Philippine House of Representatives’ committee on health has approved a bill that provides for mandatory pregnancy testing of all women of childbearing age who will undergo cosmetic surgery as a form of protection against harmful procedures.

The mandatory testing has been proposed in Philippine House Bill 363 filed by Caloocan City Rep. Mary Mitzi L. Cajayon (2nd district) to guard against potentially harmful procedures such as the administration of general anesthesia, and liposuction of the abdomen, arms, thighs and submental area.

“It is only necessary that the safety of female patients who avail of such medical services be ensured,” reads the explanatory note of the bill. The bill also requires full disclosure by cosmetic surgeons of potential risks associated with the procedure.

Failure to do so shall be meted with reprimand for the first offense, which shall be indicated in the records of the Professional Regulation Commission and the Philippine Medical Association.

For the second offense, violators will be fined P50,000, while third-time offender will be fined a lower range of P10,000-P20,00 with a suspension of license to practice for 30 days.

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[Source: BusinessWorld Online]