Guam lawmakers heard testimony today on a bill that would ban abortion after a fetal heartbeat has been detected.

As expected, the highly divisive issue drew emotional testimony both for and against.

Senator Telena Nelson’s Bill is patterned after a Texas law. It doesn’t propose sanctions directly against the woman having an abortion. Instead it calls for civil penalties against those found to have assisted the woman in terminating her pregnancy. Here’s a sampling of testimony:

Sharon O'Mallan: The idea that a heartbeat will be the indicator of life inside the womb is just that, it is a life and needs protection. A woman that has found out that she is pregnant and is not sure what she wants to do is not really thinking clearly, and some are in a panic mode. It's sad that people think an abortion solves their problem. I don’t think she realizes the long-term effects of what this will do to her.

Carlotta Leon Guerrero: If a young girl has been raped repeatedly by her uncle and two cousins she is now pregnant. Under Bill 291 she will have to live with that trauma, those memories, she will have to go forth and carry a pregnancy and she can't make the choice to avail herself of an abortion because of rape and incest. So she can't take the choice to say, I choose to start anew.

Nelson: I’m sure we are all aware of the recent news yesterday. There are other countries that have laws in place to protect life, and I have seen the dialogue on social media. I respect your points of views. I understand that there are certain concerns about the civil liability. I understand there are certain concerns about rape and incest and so I thank all of you for coming down today to give your testimony on this bill.

Given the volume of the expected testimony, Chairperson Speaker Therese Terlaje scheduled additional time for the hearing. And because of the controversial nature of the issue, she urged all those testifying to show restraint and courtesy when providing their remarks.