I am writing to request that you follow common sense and science in your regulation of abortion clinics. If there were problems with saftey then a change would be needed but the only argument  presented by most in support of these regulations is that they do not like or believe in abortion. I do not like or believe in war or gambling or several other legal activities but that does NOT give me the right to force my beliefs on the entire state. Abortion is a safe legal procedure, If you as a BOH are truly concerned about the health and saftey of Virginians you would be regulating dental and plastic surgery offices where there are in fact safety and health issues. You are being used to further a political agenda, not to promote and safe guard health. When have regulations been passed that do not include a grandfather clause? The only emergency is in the minds of those who oppose abortion on moral or religious grounds thus there is NO need to dismiss standard procedures in writing new regulations. If you look at the facts, and the data then you know that these over reaching regulations are not needed.

Our system of government does not allow regulation of  legal activities because of the religious beliefs of some i.e. Blue Laws. If the anti choice lobby is so convinced that most citizens of VA share their views let them work to overturn the law through the front door not by sneeking in regulations pretending concern for health and saftey that would be a defacto end to abortion. You all are health care professionals who daily use science to make your descions so why allow an emotional,  over zealous  group to force you to make a proposal that has no merit? It is NOT a question of what your personal beliefs are, but what is good for the "patient" the Commonwealth of Virgina. I am certain that for each of us, we have had to make professional decsions that we may not have made in our personal lives and that is what you are called to do and what your job on the BOH is. You are charged with putting aside your personal opinions and looking at the evidence and if you do that then you will see that much in these regs is unnecessary, unfair and dangerous.

Dangerous because of precedent and also because of women waiting longer before they have their abortion. What those who support these regs fail to recognize is that women who seek abortion will have one no matter what.  A late abortion carrys more risk than an early one. So all these regs do is force women into late procedures; look at the stats from Texas where similar laws were enacted. The rate of 2nd term abortions went up after the regs were enacted..... is that what you want?

Please reconsider your stand and take a second look at these regulations.  Even if you personally oppose abortion. You are asked to consider facts, not beliefs, religious views or political pressure. Thank you for your consideration.