Action | Amend Regulations Following Periodic Review |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 7/1/2016 |
I write to communicate not only my support for these amendments, but to express the opinion that they are required after the ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt. The regulations previously promulgated were not supported by any medical necessity--or indeed, any evidentiary-based medical recommendation. Outpatient abortion services are one of the safest procedures available, far safer than many other procedures commonly performed on an outpatient basis. Politics and religious belief motivated the existing regulations, and politics and belief do not provide a compelling state interest that would allow the government to restrict a person's rights under the Constitution. The amendments are necessary.