I share the concern of abortion rights advocates that a legal ban could endanger the health and the lives of women by driving abortions underground without much reducing their number.The  imperfect solution to this dilemma is to favor public efforts to cut the number of abortions by encouraging contraception and offering much more support to women who want to bring their children into the world. It is the right thing to do.As the former Commissioner of Health under four governors, I urge the members of the Virginia Department of Health and the Board of Health to adhere to their charge - to protect the public health and safety of the people of the Commonwealth by adopting only those regulations that are medically appropriate, and based in science.Sincerely, Dr. James B. Kenley M.D., MPH