Action | Regulations for Licensure of Abortion Facilities |
Stage | Emergency/NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 2/15/2012 |
T
I object to the temporary regulations for women’s health centers in Virginia and against the Board of Health’s proposed permanent regulations, which are identical to them. I urge the Board of Health to restore citizens’ confidence by safeguarding women’s access to health services against partisan interference.
The regulations:
In addition, I am very concerned that the temporary and proposed permanent regulations both fail to protect the confidentiality of health center and patient information. Apart from the usual privacy concerns, this could lead to serious abuse of this information with possible threats to the life and security of medical staff and patients.
The provision for surprise inspections and the removal of patient’s private information without notice are particularly intrusive and insensitive and could impact patient safety.
I urge you to ensure that regulations placed on women’s health centers are based solely on medical evidence and on the principles of self-determination and equality in access to medical services. There must be mutual trust and respect between the citizens and the public health service.