I strongly support the current regulations on abortion centers approved overwhelmingly by the Board of Health.  These regulations should be made permanent and continue to include the strongest standards.

My veterinary clinic has higher standards of cleanliness and safety than most abortion clinics.  Women's health standards need to at least be brought up to the standards that the state of Virginia upholds for my dog.

The emergency regulations already have been effective.  State inspectors visiting facilities documented such things as hand washing violations, blood-spattered examination tables and medical instruments, and other unsterilized equipment. In fact, 13 out of the 20 facilities had to establish plans of correction to fix deficiencies in order to maintain licensure. Further, the regulations ensure that buildings meet architectural standards so that emergency medical personnel can reach patients in a timely fashion during a life-threatening situation.

I refuse to accept the premise that abortion is health care because it ends lives rather than healing them.  However, the existence of the abortion industry under the guise of “health care” is a sad and tragic reality in our Commonwealth and our country.  The current regulations are reasonable, common-sense measures to ensure that life-saving equipment is on hand, infections are prevented, and clear written policies and building guidelines are in place.  Please maintain strong permanent abortion facility regulations to protect the health and safety of women.”