Guam

Ancient Society

In ancient Chamorro society, the clan leaders arranged marriages. Women did not marry men in their clan, as marriage was a chance to elevate clan status and increase influence in gaining hunting, fishing, and farming rights in other clan districts. Marriages were means of expanding clan relations to elevate clan ranking and to tie clans together. Depending on their needs and resources, clan leaders made marriage pairing decisions. In present-day Guam, most marriages have become Westernized and do not conform to traditional practices.

Guam natives have rapidly become incorporated into the dominant American culture and economy. This accelerated process of modernization has been accompanied by a very sharp fertility decline. One reason for this decline has been the increasing defection of Guam Roman Catholic women from traditional beliefs on birth control. Women reported that the birth control pill was the most common contraceptive used (about 48 percent of women). Guam's birth rate ranges from 18.8 to 25 births per 1,000 population, and the growth rate is estimated at 1.43 percent. The majority of pregnant women receive prenatal care from a trained health care worker during pregnancy. Women, occupying a permanent position, are granted 20 days of maternity leave.

Historical records show that Guam has allowed legal abortions since 1974. There are offices that provide medical abortion, surgical abortion, and the abortion pill. Abortions are legal only when two separate doctors determine that the pregnancy will endanger the mother's life or will seriously affect the physical or mental health of the mother. Contraceptive pills are available free of charge, and the increase in the usage of family planning techniques has resulted in lower birth rates.

Equality for Women

Women have equal status in society due to the traditional matriarchal culture of Guam, and women play a prominent role in Guam's politics and economy. According to law, at least two females must be appointed to all government boards and commissions. Women have the right to vote as well as the legal right to initiate a divorce. Women play a vital role in family responsibilities as the Chamorro people place great importance on the family. The majority of women have control over the family finances. Women equal men in all levels of schooling, and many women enter universities for higher education. Although they have high educational qualities, women still lag behind men in job opportunities.