I am writing to urge the Virginia Board of Health to leave existing regulations governing abortion clinics in our state in place. In order to prevent gross non-compliance with even the most basic of health and safety practices, these regulations must be retained.

Prior to the state implementing regulations in 2012, Virginia abortion clinics frequently ignored basic cleanliness practices, failed to sterilize equipment, used untrained staff for abortion services, violated our state parental consent laws, failed to report possible cases of child sexual abuse, left blood stains on tables and equipment, and maintained unsafe facilities ill-equipped to provide life-saving services if needed.

The fact that a doctor (Dr. Steven Brigham) who has lost his medical license in at least five other states for jeopardizing the health of women is still permitted to practice at two locations in Virginia demonstrates the urgent need to maintain Virginia’s basic regulations. When abortion clinics are poorly regulated, women and children suffer. For their safety and the public interest, retain Virginia’s current regulations.