These regulations are clearly specifically targeted to make first-trimester abortions more difficult to obtain for precisely those women who can least afford them. There is no medical safety justification for them. There is, I understand, no precedent for imposing requirements retroactively on existing facilities, aside from there being no medical justification for imposing them on ANY facilities.

I am aware of at least one facility that has already closed, at least in significant part because of these regulations.

But far greater damage would be done by causing the closure of many clinics that provide so much more than just abortions. In particular, it has been suggested that such clinics are a major front-line defense against the spread of STDs. If true, causing the closing of such clinics will impose a far greater health risk and health care cost to all Virginians.

I was expressed opposition to these regulations previously. Now I am aware of yet another strong argument against them and am more opposed than ever.