Maria G. P. Espinoza P.O. Box 4910 Hagatna, Guam 96932
[email protected] !September 11, 2015 !Congressman Frank B.
Aguon, Jr. and Congressman Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr. !I write this
testimony in support of Bill 168-33; however,
After reviewing 3218 in its entirety, I would like to make an
observation and recommendation:
My Observation of is that sub-section (m) and (n) both refer to
partial birth abortions which are illegal, according to Title 10,
Chapter 91A, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2008. I feel
that it would be most appropriate to preface that fact before
subsections (m) and (n).
Subsection (m) states that, The Office of Vital Statistics shall
compile and retain all partial birth abortion reports it receives
under this Section and collate and evaluate all data gathered
therefrom, and shall annually publish a statistical report based on
such data from partial-birth abortions performed in the previous
calendar year no later than January 31st of the following
calendar.
Sub-section (n) The Office of Vital Statistics shall make
available to physicians performing partial-birth abortions on Guam
and the Guam Board of Medical Examiners forms for partial-birth
abortion reports.
After reviewing 3218.1 in its entirety, I notice that (b), (2),
(F) states that,
she is free to withhold or withdraw her consent to the abortion
at any time without affecting her right to future care or treatment
and without the loss of any locally or federally funded benefits to
which she might otherwise be entitled.
Because abortion is a personal choice and not a mandate, I feel
that the Government of Guam should not fund such an elective
procedure. A research should be done to identify whether MIP or
Medicaid funds have been used to pay for any abortions and, if so,
I would like to recommend that, if not in the context of Bill
168-33, then a separate, follow-up bill will be introduced to
de-fund abortions on Guam. !I thank you for giving me this
opportunity to express my views. !Sincerely, !Maria G. P.
Espinoza
