I am an obstetrician/gynecologist who has practiced in Virginia for almost 30 years.  While I do not and have never provided abortion services, I recall many adolescents and young women admitted to my residency hospital (Johns Hopkins, in Baltimore) with severe injuries suffered during illegal abortions.  These resulted in life-threatening complications that sometimes cost these women their ability to conceive again.  

The requirements in this legislation that involve structural changes to the buildings housing these clinics are blatently designed to limit or prohibit access to pregnancy termination.  This bill is part of a nationwide campaign to reverse the constitutionally protected rights designated by the Supreme Court's Rowe versus Wade ruling.  It is obvious that the original legislation and opinions voiced by the Virginia Attorney General have resulted in political pressure being brought to bear on the Board of Health that will not reduce the number of abortions in Virginia.  Instead, the result will be an increase in illegal abortions and the complications associated with those procedures.

Please act to insure that women in the Commonwealth of Virginia continue to have access to the safe, legal abortions currently being provided.