Maria G. P.

Espinoza
P.O. Box 4910
Hagatna, Guam 96932
espinozamp@gmail.com

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