It sickens me to see the political agenda of the Attorney General and his ilk be placed above the basic needs of women in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This tactic will not only send the women of Virginia into the back alleys of 40 years ago, but it will have severe consequesnces on those simply trying to access healthcare. If these regulations were actually intended to improve safety conditions for Virginians, then why do these same excessive regulations not apply to clinics that perform vasectomies, and other minor surgery? Do door awnings and water fountains really protect the women of Virginia? 

Women need more access to healthcare, not less. Implementing these regulations would shut down clinics that provide basic healthcare for those who need it most. 

I believe in the decision made by the Supreme Court 40 years ago. I am currently 33 weeks pregnant, and I could not imagine carrying a fetus to term that I wasn't prepared for. I've had a relatively uneventful pregnancy, but can certainly sympathize with the burden that it places on a women. I've seen women lose their jobs because of their pregnancy. I watch women go back to work immeditaly after delivery because our country and our state have no real maternity leave. 

If you want to reduce the need for abortion, please work with the clinics trying to prevent pregnancy, and focus your efforts on supporting the families of the Commonwealth of Virginia once they bring a child into the world.

Regards,
Tara FitzPatrick