I am writing in regards to my high levels of concern over the TRAP legislation. I have been working in the reproductive justice field in Richmond City for over five years now, and it is appalling clear to me that the TRAP legislations are an attack on women's rights to make decisions over their own bodies - and all under the guise of safety.

These regulations will NOT make health care safer for women in Virginia. In fact, these burdensome limitations on Virginia's clinics will make access to abortion and preventative health care less affordable and less accessable - potentially putting thousands of women at risk. While it is obvious to me that these regulations are an attack on the right of women to procure abortions, it is important to acknowledge that they will also affect the ability of women to get safe, accessable, affordable preventative care.

Planned Parenthood and other similar clinics perform innummerable PAP smears, STD tests, breast cancer exams, and other services that are necessary for quality reproductive health care. As a woman who suffers from cervical dysplasia (abnormal, precancerous cells of the cervix), I would have lost my uterus at the age of 22 were it not for these types of preventative medicine. I urge you to consider these points, and to amend the regulations based on evidence-based scientific medicine, and to be truly focused on the best health care possibilities for women.

Sincerely,

Ramey Connelly

RRFP member & Reproductive Justice Activist