On behalf of the over 2,500 American Association of University Women (AAUW) members in Virginia, I urge the Board of Health to repeal 12 VAC 5-412, Regulations for Licensure of Abortion Facilities.

One of the AAUW of Virginia Public Policy Priorities is to ensure “access to quality health care and family planning support, including individual choice in reproductive decisions and equity in women’s health research and treatment.”   12 VAC 5-412 jeopardizes women’s health by making it more difficult for women to access safe and legal abortions, along with the comprehensive, preventative health care these centers provide, like cancer screenings.  Already five women’s health centers in Virginia have been forced to close due to these burdensome and medically-unnecessary regulations.  This has restricted access to critical cancer screenings and annual care for thousands of Virginia women – particularly women in low-income areas, who rely heavily on these services and facilities for life-saving health care.

We urge the Board of Health to rewrite the current regulations of women’s health centers to protect women’s health and to preserve access to comprehensive reproductive care.

Sandra L. Lawrence

Co-President

AAUW of Virginia