Board of Health,

As a grandmother of 4, I urge you to uphold the health standards in place that protect women. When a woman enters an abortion center today she puts herself in danger. Who would argue against medically safe abortions" Who would argue against a facility to adhere to standards in case of emergencies"In just two years, inspections have exposed widespread health and safety violations including blood splattered exam tables and equipment, unsterilized needles, incomplete lifesaving equipment, violations of Virginia parental consent laws, an absence of reporting of possible cases of child abuse, and many more deficiencies. Would you want your wife, daughter or granddaughter to go to one of these clinics"Those who make the decision to have an abortion should be able to have it done in an environment that meets basic health and safety standards, is clean, and where the staff is well-trained. These health and safety standards simply ensure that abortion centers meet common-sense standards of care to ensure womens health. This is paramount.I urge you to look at the facts. Look at the inspection reports. What happens frequently at abortion centers are emergencies and emergency personnel need to be able to get to patients in need and that involves having doorways and hallways wide enough to get emergency equipment to women in medical crisis. The abortion industry has plenty of money to make the required facility changes, the required training for their medical personnel and the required medical safety precautions to offer a safe and clean environment. The abortion industry simply has to choose if it is going to spend it on womens health instead of political campaigns.Again, I urge you to support the common-sense, reasonable health and safety standards to ensure abortion centers are in compliance. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue! Darlene Hopkins