To Whom It May Concern:

I am taking the time today to ask the Virginia Board of Health to keep existing regulations governing abortion clinics in our state in place. These regulations were an important step in making sure that women who choose abortion can do so in facilities that meet the most basic health and safety practices.

Whether or not you are pro-life or pro-abortion, these regulations ensure that women--especially the poor--have access to clinics that meet standard cleanliness practices, including: properly sterilized equipment, disinfected floors and tables, trained staff for abortion services, and proper informed consent.

It is also extremely important that clinics that focus on reproductive health also report instances of child sexual abuse. I want the Commonwealth to be known for being a place where patient health and safety is put first, and that means that we need to ensure that any individual performing medical services have current licenses, training, and sterling ethics records.

When abortion clinics are poorly regulated, women and children suffer. For their safety and the public interest, retain Virginia’s current regulations.

Thank you.