I personally have worked for Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia for 5 years as the COO from 2003 to 2008.  I loved my job. Providing health care to the uninsured men and women of Hampton Roads was very rewarding.  We provided life-saving cancer screenings, family planning, and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment.   We tracked our cancer patients carefully and worked with a group of oncologists we would refer them to for further care.  We provided pre-natal care and worked with a group of physicians we referred those patient to and the deliveries were performed at Sentara Leigh Hospital.  I sincerely doubt that many Virginia residents are even aware that we provide prenatal care and delivery. . . . .we cared for every single woman who came to our centers, regardless of what type of care was needed and we treated them with respect.

That is why it is so hard to witness the political sentiment that has become so prevalent over the last few years - it has become tangible.  It is unjustified  to see their sentiment become the kind of reality that could actually interfere with women's health care.  Grand-fathering in clinics who have been taking care of women over the years here in Virginia is the only appropriate way to CONTINUE to provide access to abortion and family planning services. The high standard of care provided by women's health centers is proven by their impressive safety record. Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures. Over-regulation will limit access to a wide range of preventive reproductive health care services provided by women's health clinics. I would think that as the Department of Public Health you would know this.

I can attest that these services are sincerely needed in the Hampton Roads cities.  Please listen to the reality of what it is like to be an uninsured female in this state and support this request. Don’t sweep away ALL the care that Planned Parenthood and others provide by focusing on abortion.  You will create a hardship for the most vulnerable folks of our population if you vote with this political agenda - I implore you to stand your ground and remember “To Do No Harm” rather than succumb to the folks with their own political futures as their priorities.  They have infused themselves into medicine under the guise of the TRAP regulations and yet  they have absolutely nothing to do with direct patient care.  I appreciate your taking the time for feed-back from those of us 'in the trenches'.  Thank you and please share my letter with all of the Board Members.

Respectfully submitted

Susan McGinnis