On behalf of the over 2,000 American Association of University Women (AAUW) members in Virginia, I support the Board of Health’s decision to amend 12 VAC 5-412, Regulations for Licensure of Abortion Facilities.  

One of the AAUW of Virginia Public Policy Priorities is to ensure “access to quality health care and family planning support, including individual choice in reproductive decisions and equity in women’s health research and treatment.”   If the restrictions on women’s health centers in Virginia remain unchanged, they will continue to jeopardize women’s health by making it more difficult for women to access safe and legal abortions, along with the comprehensive, preventative health care these centers provide, like cancer screenings.  Already three women’s health centers in Virginia have been forced to close or stop providing abortion services, in part due to these burdensome and medically-unnecessary regulations.  This has restricted access to critical cancer screenings and annual care for thousands of Virginia women – particularly women in low-income areas, who rely heavily on these services and facilities for life-saving health care.

We urge the Board of Health to go ahead with its decision to amend the current restrictions on  women’s health centers. This is a positive step to protect women’s health and to preserve access to comprehensive reproductive care.

Sandra L. Lawrence

Co-President

AAUW of VA