Board of Health,

Some months ago, I wrote a fairly detailed letter to you, requesting the Commonwealth of Virginia maintain her Board of Health regulations for basic safety requirements in abortion clinics. I am writing again now, pleading your attention in this serious matter. As a health professional, I consider these practices the very minimum for ANY medical clinic, but especially for a facility which performs procedures as deeply invasive of the human body as dilatation of the cervix, and curettage and suction of the womb. Even performed in a hospital, surgeries such as a D&C pose a risk of sepsis and hemorrhage at the least; anyone who has experienced such an operation, following a miscarriage -- in the hospital, will remember signing beforehand the "informed consent" form, which lists these and other possible complications of this procedure. In order to safeguard the very lives (in some cases) of young Virginians seeking care at abortion centers, our Commonwealth must maintain the Board of Healths wise mandates for safe practice and environment in any and all medical clinics, including those of abortion providers. The current regulations of the Virginia Board of Health, for abortion clinics in our commonwealth, are the minimum we can do to protect our citizens from practitioners who might consider "cost effectiveness" their clinics higher priority. Such a "business philosophy", and the operating policies it engenders, are risky and dangerous. It arises, at best, from ignorance. At worst, it can be spawned by a negligence tainted with greed and/or careless attitudes-in-general, toward the lives of their clients.The potential for dire consequences for our young women, suffering invasive procedures in inadequately regulated clinics, is very REAL. Hindsight is a most painful teacher. Be forewarned and forearmed, dear Virginia! Please protect your citizens! Mrs. John Mark (Patricia) Froehlich RN BSN