The temporary rules that the Healh Dept is proposing to make permanent interfere with the sanctity of the doctor's office and importantly will hurt women't health by targeting abortion providers. Health rules should not impede a woman's access to medical care, and in any case, should be based on medical and scientific evidence of need, not political considerations.

Virginia providers are already highly regulated. Fewer than 0.3% of abortion patients experience a complication that requires hospitalization.

These regulations are being supported by a minority of Virginians with an ideological agenda, and not the medical community. The Board of Health heard testimony from abortion providers and members of the medical community opposing these medically unnecessary regulations. However, they still chose to reject numerous amendments offered to protect the safety and confidentiality of both providers and patients with little to no debate.

Extensive, burdensome requirements for clinic buildings that are unrelated to the services health centers provide and have no proven medical benefit will reduce or eliminate patient access to health care.

It is beyond me how those who otherwise support the least possible government are willing to force this most intrusive government interference in people's lives.