[1] Early methods utilized by Chamorro women to self-induce abortion included consuming drinks made from tree trunks, roots, and leaves.
[2] In 1990, the Legislature of Guam enacted a law prohibiting abortion in all cases except when there was "substantial risk" to the woman's life or continuing the pregnancy would "gravely impair" her health.
[3][4][5] Future governor Lou Leon Guerrero, then serving as president of the Guam Nurses Association, testified in opposition to the ban.
[2] It was estimated in 2021 by The Guardian that the cost of the eight hour flight to Hawaii for individuals seeking abortion care amounted to around $1,000.
[8] In 2012, the Woman's Reproductive Health Information Act was implemented, creating new restrictions for abortion provision, including a 13-week gestational age limit, a physician-only requirement, and a 24-hour mandatory waiting period.
[9][10] Following an ACLU lawsuit, the legislation was blocked by Frances Tydingco-Gatewood, Chief Judge of the District Court of Guam, in a 2021 ruling.
The Catholic Church in Guam is active in support of restrictions on abortion through participation in the Rally for Life march.