This is a heartbreaking message to have to write to those empowered and trusted to protect public health. 

As I write, I picture a young, scared woman, needing support and understanding to cope with an unplanned pregnancy.  Who can she turn to?  Where will she go?  These regulations will leave her vulnerable to illegal, dangerous options.

Women's health centers have long provided safe, preventive reproductive health care services that PREVENT unwanted, unplanned pregnancies.  These services are essential for planning parenthood responsibly.  Children deserve to be born to loving, ready parents. 

Thse regulations call for extensive, burdensome building requirements that have no proven medical benefit and will reduce or eliminate patient access to health care.  Early abortion care is already difficult to access in the Commonwealth, with 86 percent of Virginia’s counties lacking any abortion providers.  Early abortion is a safe, medical procedure and a private choice.  These regulations are harmful and unnecessary.  Please make decisions based in science, health and fairness.  Do not give in to cynically motivated political agendas.