I am writing today in response to the periodic review and small business impact review of 12VAC5-412, Regulations for the Licensure of Abortion Facilities. I ask that you do not modify, repeal or weaken these regulations.

       These regulations are clearly needed to protect women. Despite abortion centers receiving notice about upcoming inspections, over 80 violations were discovered.

Several failed to comply with even basic sterilization procedures. Other inspections revealed problems at abortion centers with the storage and dispensing of drugs, including several with expired drugs in stock, and others with improper labeling of drugs. In addition, personnel were not properly trained and procedures were not maintained.

Finally, several abortion centers were cited for local and state building code violations. 

        The bottom line is that women's safety and health should be a top priority in any surgical procedure, including an abortion. The standards were not implemented on a whim or for political reasons. These standards were the result of an arduous two-year process that was amply reviewed by the Virginia Board of Health. To repeal or weaken these standards places women in harm's way. The safety of Virginian's is this Board's most important consideration.

Sincerely,

Martha Blau