This is Shelby Duffer, a private citizen of NoVA.  I was thrilled with your December vote to amend the restrictions on women's health centers throughout the Commonwealth.  Having followed the winding and dramatic path of these regulations since 2012, it was such a relief to see the Board of Health make a pragmatic, fact-based vote to amend these medically unnecessary restrictions.

Most of the services provided in women's health clinics are routine OBGYN or preventative care. There are also some medically induced pregnant terminations and fewer surgical terminations. These termination procedures have been studied and proven just as safe, if not safer, than similar outpatient procedures in other specialities. As in any medical office, safe outpatient procedures are provided daily. It is considered routine for a gastroenterologist to provide colonoscopies, a dermatologist  to surgically remove skin lesions & a dentist to do a root canal. Since these safe procedures are not politically sensitive, society would never consider making a dentist meet safety regulations meant for a hospital. An existing dermatologist would not have to retroactively meet new regulations to make the office a surgery center.  Placing these requirements on women's health centers, but not on similar doctors offices and health care centers, reveals the political nature of the current regulations. 

Women throughout Virginia rely on these clinics for preventative exams and screenings that are critial to their health and well being. Your decision was based on sound medical practice, and I was glad to see politics removed from the process. Thank you for making acces to health care for all Virginians a priority in the Commonwealth!

I just wanted to take a moment to wholeheartedly voice my support and appreciation of your decision to review,  & amend these overly restrictive political restrictions. 

Shelby Duffer

Board Certified Genetic Counselor