AFFECTION, respect and mutual concern are immediately discernible in letters between José Rizal and his beloved sisters. He brought them news of his activities and travels in Europe and they kept him in tune with the rhythms of family life. More intimately, they related to him their private health and medical concerns, a gesture that indicated their trust in him. Here, Rizal had a striking opportunity to influence and educate the women closest to him on fundamental issues concerning all women in general—female reproductive health and birth control.