Board of Health,

Ive heard that the Board of Health is considering the discontinuance of safety regulations for abortion clinics. This does not make sense to me. Why should one provider of health services be treated any differently than other providers of health services" When I took my little son to an outpatient surgery center to have tubes put in his ears, I wasnt thinking, "This surgery center will self-police its activity. There is no need for Virginia to regulate the care provided in this facility." No, I was grateful that regulations were in place for my sons medical protection. Why should the abortion industry be treated any differently" Womens health, indeed, in some cases, their lives are at stake! A surgical abortion is a surgery, right" Even when RU-486 is administered, significant bleeding can ensue. Why shouldnt the Commonwealth want the best of standards for its women"

Dear Members of the Board of Health,

Abortion center regulations are essential for the health and safety of Virginia women and must be maintained. Health department inspectors have uncovered hundreds of health and safety violations. These violations include improper hand washing procedures and blood splatter on instruments and examination tables and abortions on minors without documented informed consent. The most recent inspections revealed significant abuse as an abortion center recorded an incredibly high number of complications from attempted chemical abortions with RU-486. The abortion industry has fought regulation for years, yet repeatedly independent inspectors find serious deficiencies, even during announced inspections. Abortion centers are not able to self-regulate. Abortion is not healthcare because it ends lives instead of healing them. However, since abortion operates under the guise of healthcare abortion centers must adhere to the regulatory standards of other healthcare facilities. Simply, Virginia women deserve nothing less. Thank you for considering my perspective on this important matter.

I understand that the most recent inspections mentioned above, uncovered deficiencies in January of THIS year, after the present regulations had already been put in place! We need those regulations. Please keep them in place, for the safety of Virginia women. Celeste Hufford