Healing the Divide: A Catholic Social Teaching Perspective on Women’s Health Care in the Philippines

J Relig Health. 2026 Jun 10. doi: 10.1007/s10943-026-02692-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Gender discrimination, though a decades-old problem, remains prevalent in the modern age. Although often labeled a “gender-equal” country in Southeast Asia, the Philippines continues to log significant reports of prejudice and violence against women; Philippine health care is no exception. In a field where serving with compassion is the main priority, discrimination against women often goes unnoticed. Thus, this paper evaluates the real experiences of female patients in the Philippines through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). While prior gender-and-health care studies in the Philippine context largely emphasize sociological or policy analyses, this study offers a uniquely theological-ethical interpretation of patient experiences and a CST-informed critique of existing health care structures and laws. Employing a conceptual and narrative analysis, the study draws on existing literature, Philippine policies, Scripture, and Church documents. Using the Look-Judge-Act method as its theological-ethical framework, it contextualizes CST within the Philippine health care setting. Findings reveal barriers to equitable care, negligence from medical personnel leading to delayed access, and violence against Filipino women that persists even inside hospitals. Although laws provide some protection for women’s rights, weak enforcement and persistent gaps remain unresolved. Therefore, based on Gaudium et Spes, Dignitas Infinita, Fratelli Tutti, and Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Women, the authors use the CST framework to interpret the discrimination against women and the role of the lay faithful. The findings and analysis indicate the need for reforms in existing Philippine laws, awareness campaigns for oppressed women, and daily acts of compassion toward women.

PMID:42268334 | DOI:10.1007/s10943-026-02692-5