Thanks, C Sullenger, for comments above that make good sense.  We have historically acted to protect the vulnerable from those who would take advantage of them, whether pimp, employer, bank, or doctor.  Someone with an unwanted pregnancy can be a runaway trapped by a sex trafficker, a victim of incest, or a professional woman fully able to take care of herself.  These regulations are not in place to protect the wealthy, because they are able to find and afford a facility that meets their standards.  These regulations are for the vulnerable, who need someone who is "weeding out abortionists who operate using substandard practices,"  as C Sullenger stated.

I remember first hearing that abortion clinics were not regulated and being very surprised that they were not subject to the same standards of practice we have come to expect at the dental office and outpatient surgery centers.  It just makes sense that Virginia would act to protect its citizens who enter an abortion clinic, in need of its services, to the same extent we protect those going to the dentist or to have a simple surgery.

As clinic inspections have demonstrated since these regulations were made official, there are plenty of intolerable conditions encountered in Virginia's abortion clinics.  This need not be so.  I urge you to retain these regulations and make the abortion industry in Virginia as humane and professional as is possible.