Senators have passed the controversial anti-abortion bill, known as the Guam Heartbeat Act. The measure, by Senator Telena Nelson, would ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically within six weeks of pregnancy.

The legislation received a vote of 8 for, 7 against, formally being passed. Senator Nelson's bill is patterned after a Texas law. It also provides for civil lawsuits to be filed against anyone who aids or abets in an abortion once the fetal heartbeat is detected.

Pro-choice advocates have described that particular provision as a bounty system, further polarizing what is already a very divisive issue.

Voting yes on the bill were sponsor Nelson, and Senators Tony Ada, Frank Blas, Jr., Joanne Brown, Chris Duenas, James Moylan, Amanda Shelton, and Telo Taitague. Voting no on the measure were Senators Tina Muna Barnes, Sabina Perez, Clynt Ridgell, Joe San Agustin, Therese Terlaje, and Mary Torres.

Senator Pedo Terlaje, who voted in favor of moving the bill to the voting file earlier this week, abstained three times and was counted as a no vote.

Pro-choice supporters were very critical of a vote on such a controversial measure during the last session of a lame duck legislature. Pro-life advocates had welcomed the vote, saying it was the duty and responsibility of legislators to act on a bill no matter when.

There was overwhelming testimony during public hearings against the bill. Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has vowed publicly to veto it.