To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to take a moment to express my displeasure regarding the current Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) requirements that are being implemented.  These regulations threaten the continued availability of safe, legal first-trimester abortion and preventive reproductive health care in multiple locations throughout the state.  Extensive, burdensome requirements for clinic buildings that are unrelated to the services health centers provide and have no proven medical benefit will reduce or eliminate patient access to health care.

If regulations placed on women's health centers are based upon evidence-based medical practices that advance the public health, then women in the Commonwealth will be able to maintain access to vital health care from trusted medical providers.  The high standard of care provided by women's health centers is proven by their impressive safety record. Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures. Over-regulation will limit access to a wide range of preventive reproductive health care services provided by women's health clinics, including life-saving cancer screenings, family planning, and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment.

It is my hope that the regulations will be amended to be based purely on medicine and science and should not impede women's access to essential health care.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Rachel