Dear Committee members,

As you discuss and consider the new regulations, I ask that you first put science, medicine and reason ahead of partisan politics. More importantly, put the rights of the individual to choose the course they wish to pursue when it comes to private medical issues ahead of government interference..We hear so much rhetoric about individual freedom and the right to choose from both political parties, however, this legislation as it is proposed is government intervention at its worst when the legislature become the instrument of meddlesome efforts to limit rights and freedoms. How does one champion freedom and liberty by denying women access to health care priorities that they choose to have for themselves. Put your faith in women to make the right choices for themselves over their health care the same as the nation did when acknowledging that women had the right to participate in the political process and vote nearly a century ago. The 235 year history of this republic has been about granting and expanding  rights and freedoms to citizens. It has been a long process by which many groups of citizens previously denied rights and freedom have through bold legislative actions overcome the denial of such freedoms. Accepting and passing regulations that reverse this process risks putting Virginia on the wrong side of history. After 235 years of struggling for the vote, freedom and liberty, women, minorities and low income citizens should not be so easily discredited in the name of democracy by an appeal to misplaced moral sensibilities.

Thanks for considering this view.

Martin Tillett

2410 Fairview Drive

Alexandria, VA 22306