Dear board of health member,

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 the ladies.  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.  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.

Thank you for considering my view on this important matter.

Gayle Hoppenjans