Dear Members of the Board of Health,

I ask the Board not to amend Title 12, Agency 5, Chapter 412, Regulations for Licensure of Abortion Facilities. The strongest possible abortion center regulations are essential for the health and safety of Virginia women and must be maintained. Health department inspectors have uncovered hundreds of health and safety violations. Recent inspections also revealed significant abuse as an abortion center recorded an incredibly high number of complications from attempted chemical abortions with RU-486. The abortion industry has fought regulation for years, yet repeatedly independent inspectors find serious deficiencies, even during announced inspections. Abortion centers are not able to self-regulate. As abortion centers operate within the healthcare system, abortion centers must adhere to the regulatory standards of other healthcare facilities. Thank you for your consideration. Catherine Haas