I am writing in opposition to forcing Virginia abortion providers to comply with burdensome guidelines designed for new construction health centers.

These burdensome requirements for clinic buildings are unrelated to the services that abortion care health centers provide have no proven medical benefit. They serve only to reduce or eliminate patient access to care. The people harmed by this law will be the young women of Virginia who seek a legal medical procedure. TRAP laws don't stop abortions, they just add extra stress and burden to a young woman's life.

Virginia's clinics have demonstrated an impressive safety record under the current regulatory scheme. It is my expectation that the regulations will be amended to be based on public health considerations and not to intentionally  and unnecessarily impede women's access to essential health care.