I am concerned about the proposed changes in regulations that would further restrict access to abortion by the women of Virginia.

Our laws and regulations, especially those governing medical procedures should be based on scientific evidence.

Abortion is an extremely safe medical procedure. Less than 0.3% of abortion patients in the United States experience a complication that requires hospitalization.-based regulations that reflect the safety record and reality of first trimester abortion.

Nearly all U.S. abortions take place in nonhospital settings and data going back decades confirm the safety of these procedures.  According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), providing abortions in the context of private practice is entirely appropriate, as long as physicians who do so in their offices are equipped to handle any emergencies that arise.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also makes clear that abortions can safely be performed not only in outpatient clinics, but also in physicians’ offices. WHO guidelines state that regulation of abortion providers and settings “should be based on evidence of best practices and be aimed at ensuring safety, good quality and accessibility.”

These regulations are often purported to be for the safety of women.  Ironically, they will likely to lead to unsafe abortions as access is further restricted.  Please let medical experts and evidence be the guide for regulations, not religious philosophy.