Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Virginia Department of Health
 
Board
State Board of Health
 
chapter
Regulations for Licensure of Abortion Facilities [12 VAC 5 ‑ 412]
Action Amend the Regulation after Assessment and Receipt of Public Comment
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 7/10/2019
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7/10/19  11:38 am
Commenter: Dr. Howard J.T. Steers, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Logic re Health Care and Abortions
 

If one accepts that abortion is part of healthcare, then it would appear logical that abortion facilities ought to be subject to the same standards and enforcement that apply to any other healthcare facility.  To single out abortion facilities for any lesser standard represents a threat to the health and safety of women using that facility and those advocating such a change ought to be able to present a COMPELLING medical argument for the necessity of making such a change.  I have not seen anything to this effect.  Arguments that make it easier for abortion facilities easier to self-regulate are clearly in the self-interest of the latters' business model, i.e. political, but are not in the best interests of the women being treated.  The original argument for the existence and licensing of abortion facilities was to make SAFE procedures readily available.  As it is, inspections have demonstrated that abortion facilities do not always meet the standards that were created to ensure safety.  The proposed changes to the abortion center regulations clearly make these centers LESS SAFE, and consequently ought to be rejected by any logical assessment.  

The willingness of abortion proponents to push the limits were unfortunately demonstrated in the statements of our Commonwealth's current governor during his commentary that those born alive during abortion procedures are made comfortable while the mother and doctor have a discussion.  A "discussion" about what?  The health and safety of the newborn?  And we want to make things easier for abortion facilities?   

 

CommentID: 73349