Woman laws at Guam (US)
Guam, as an unincorporated U.S. territory, has a complex legal landscape concerning women's rights, shaped by both federal and local laws. Here's an overview of key areas:
Reproductive Rights and Abortion Access
Abortion is legal in Guam, but access is severely limited. Historically, a 1990 law banning most abortions was struck down by the Ninth Circuit Court of Guam. However, in 2023, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated a 2012 law imposing restrictions, including a 13-week gestational limit, a physician-only requirement, and a 24-hour mandatory waiting period
Currently, there are no abortion providers on the island. Residents seeking abortions must travel to other locations, such as Hawaii, often at significant personal and financial cost citeturn0search13. Telemedicine options are available for early-term medication abortions, but these are limited and subject to legal challenges.
Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Laws
The Bureau of Women’s Affairs (BWA) is the primary agency representing women's interests in Guam. Established in 1991 and revived in 2019, the BWA focuses on eliminating gender discrimination, advocating for policy changes, and supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
The Fair Employment Practice Division (FEPD) within the Department of Labor enforces laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on sex, marital status, and other factors. Notably, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, effective since November 2023, mandates reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers
Domestic Violence and Support Services
Guam adheres to the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), providing housing protections and support services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA) administers these services, offering resources and assistance to affected individuals
LGBTQ+ Rights
Guam legalized same-sex marriage in 2015, becoming the first U.S. territory to do so. The Guam Marriage Equality Act of 2015, passed in August 2015, officially incorporated this change into local law
Advocacy and Community Organizations
Famalao’an Rights is a prominent reproductive justice initiative in Guam, focusing on addressing the lack of reproductive healthcare, de-stigmatizing discussions surrounding abortion, contraception, and sexual education, and ensuring access to accurate information
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