Deciding zygotes to have "personhood" has huge implications for women's health in Virginia.  It directly posits the zygote's life as more important than the woman's life, prior to the zygote’s viability or capability of life.  Women should have the right to control over their own reproduction, seeing that the implications of reproduction, childbirth and child rearing are directly related to the trajectory of their lives.  I urge you, let women make decisions rather than face roadblocks and obstacles based on your ideological standpoint. 

In a separate but related vein, self determined decisions on reproduction, sex, contraception and abortion would be greatly aided for both men and women, if better, more comprehensive sex education were implemented.  This would ensure that men, and more importantly women, would be aware of their options and the resources at their disposal, regarding sex, and consequently reproduction, allowing them to take control over their bodies.

Thank you,

Deanne Ralston