As a resident of Virginia, I am extremely concerned and dismayed by the regulations which could close women's clinics across the Commonwealth. While attending the Board of Health hearing which discussed these regulations, I heard no scientific evidence of how these regulations would improve the health or safety of Virginia women. I heard political rhetoric which stated that abortion is wrong and should be outlawed. While that may be someone's view, it is not the place of the Board of Health to regulate that argument. Your job as medical professionals appointed to offer differing views and specialties on the Board of Health is to regulate based on what is medically necessary. These regulations are not.

If you were truly concerned about the safety of women then the numerous amendments offered to the proposed rules in 2011 would have received a second to be debated. Instead you allowed the politics of the day to win. This is your opportunity to do what you were appointed to do. Use your medical knowledge to decide what is necessary. These regulations are not necessary and if true out patient reform is needed, pass a comprehensive plan of regulating ALL outpatient procedures in Virginia, not just the ones which you don't agree with morally.