Abortion has always been a contentious issue within our society.  Despite the strong diverse feelings on this subject, there is one issue that everyone agrees upon – that of protecting woman’s health.  The surgical procedures conducted at abortion clinics throughout Virginia carries with it a level of danger to women.  Unfortunately, women are often injured or killed during abortion procedures conducted in substandard facilities.  For this reason, it is of utmost importance to maintain the highest medical standards for all abortion providers.  The regulations imposed by 12 VAC 5-412 acts to protect women’s health and lives at abortion clinics.  Relaxing any portion of these regulations can expose women to life-long injuries and death. 

The vast majority of Americans are still very uncomfortable with abortion, according to the latest Knights of Columbus-Marist poll. The survey finds support for abortion restrictions among both “pro-life” and “pro-choice” supporters.  Eighty-four percent of Americans want significant restrictions on abortion, and would limit it to, at most, the first three months of pregnancy. This includes almost 7 in 10 (69 percent) who identify themselves as “pro-choice.”  The same percentage (84 percent) also says that laws can protect both the well-being of a woman and the life of the unborn.

I strongly urge you to help protect women by maintaining all the provisions associated with 12 VAC 5-412 and the 2010 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities.