Guam’s In-Person Abortion Counseling Law Is Valid, Officials Say

A Guam law requiring abortion patients to receive in-person counseling at least 24 hours before undergoing a procedure must remain in force, territorial officials told the Ninth Circuit.

The restriction is rationally related to legitimate state interests, including preserving prenatal life, protecting maternal health, and preserving the integrity of the medical profession, Guam officials said in a filing urging the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to lift a lower court’s order that blocked the law’s enforcement.

Two Guam-licensed doctors who are based in Hawaii challenged the law. They are willing and able to provide the face-to-face counseling ...