I am writing to express my concern and, frankly, my irritation and worry that the Virginia legislature would attempt to restrict healthcare for women by enacting laws that are unfairly punitive for family planning and abortion providers. These policies are restrictive to the point that they will endanger women's lives by prolonging dangerous and unwanted pregnancies, including women who were the victims of incest, rape, or other coersive intercourse who will be forced to withstand further victimization by the health care providers who they are meant to be able to to trust. The health care professionals are not to blame: they are subject to the laws that are enacted by our state, even if said laws make them feel as if they cannot look after their patients properly. Women should not be forced to seek out illegal abortions, thereby putting their lives in further danger, in order to receive a service that they should be able to make the choice to have.

It is not up to politicians to make decisions about a woman's body: those choices are between her and her doctor, someone with actual medical knowledge who can help women to make the decisions that are best for her. 75% of Virginians agree: http://www.coalitionforwomenshealth.org/assets/bin/Virginia%20Women%5C%27s%20Health%20Care%20Survey%20--%20Executive%20Summary%20%283-15-13%29.pdf