For many years, abortion providers in Virginia have refused to hold themselves to the sort of standards appropriate for facilities which perform significant medical operations. Now the state has the opportunity to intervene and to ensure that these providers do not further jeopardize women's health. Some fear that these facilities may close. In truth, the closure of a facility which refuses to ensure safeguards for its clients ought to be a welcome development.

A woman's body is designed to protect her unborn child during his or her growth and development, and will naturally fight against forces which will try to harm that child. An abortion, by definition, seeks this, and the female body will respond in various ways, some of which may be severe and unexpected. In their haste to complete the abortion and release the woman to cope with the consequences alone, many important precautions are overlooked to help protect her health and safety. This is unacceptable and intolerable. Sloppiness and indifference must have no place in medical practice, and the state is now poised to make a big step in eliminating them.

Thank you for your attention.