Women's reproductive health is a basic human right. Misguided attempts to drive women's healthcare decision making, limit care or worse, force unhealthy choices, are contrary to individual rights and roll back historic gains women have fought hard to obtain. Daily we weigh benefits and risks to the individual, healthcare provider and institutions which provide our services. This legislation is risky and dangerous because it narrows the aperture of basic healthcare.

Open access to choice of doctor, location and type of service belongs with the female consumer - not legislator. Just as the Supreme Court has stayed out of the bedroom, so must the Virginia legislature stay out of a woman's right to substantive, available and whole body healthcare.

This pending legislation is more than about physical restrictions ... It effects our minds and spirits, relegating us to less than equal status not only in the eyes of the law but also how we as women view our selves - independent and whole beings fully able and capable of making responsible choices.

Do not shackle existing options.