This is Shannon Fisher, a Richmond resident (and also a member of the national Board of Directors of UniteWomen.org, a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization).  I was thrilled with your December vote to amend the restrictions on women's health centers throughout the Commonwealth.  Having followed the winding and dramatic path of these regulations since 2012, it was such a relief to see the Board of Health make a pragmatic, fact-based vote to amend these medically unnecessary restrictions.

Women throughout Virginia rely on these clinics for preventative exams and screenings that are critial to their health and well being. Your decision was based on sound medical practice, and I (as well as everyone involved in UniteWomen.org on a local and national level) was glad to see politics removed from the process. Thank you for making acces to health care for all Virginians a priority in the Commonwealth!

I just wanted to take a moment to wholeheartedly voice my support and appreciation of your decision to amend, both personally and on behalf of UniteWomen.org.

Shannon Fisher