The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
Abortion-rights advocates said their worst fears were confirmed when they discovered that clinics could be held to what they consider onerous hospital architectural standards under proposed regulations released Friday by state health officials.
Planned Parenthood lobbyist Jessica Honke expressed disappointment after her initial review of the draft regulations, saying, "The Board of Health apparently ignored sound science and drafted regulations designed to limit access to safe, legal abortion services."
Holding clinics to more stringent design standards would compel many to make costly renovations, and that could force some out of business, she added.
But social conservatives who favor limiting abortions see the regulations as a way to better ensure the safety of abortion procedures at clinics, which haven't been regulated for licensure in this way since previous standards were repealed in 1983.
Chris Freund of the Family Foundation, a group that has been strongly supportive of regulating abortion clinics, didn't offer specific comment Friday about the draft rules because his organization is still reviewing them.
The regulations are temporary rules that could take effect this year and remain in place for up to 18 months while permanent regulations are developed. They are to be considered by the health board next month. Eight of its 14 current members are appointees of anti-abortion Gov. Bob McDonnell.
The regulations have been crafted by health officials under a fast-track process as directed in a controversial bill the General Assembly approved earlier this year.
That bill represented a key victory for abortion opponents.
If approved, the regulations would apply to clinics where at least five first-trimester abortions are performed each month. Second- and third-trimester abortions must be done in hospitals, under state law.
Statistics show that abortions in Virginia have declined slightly in recent years; nearly 26,000 were performed last year.
Clinics in Virginia are currently treated like other physicians' offices where outpatient procedures such as cosmetic surgery are performed.
Under the new regulations, they would be categorized as hospitals.
The draft clinic regulations were released Friday afternoon as much of the state was focused on Hurricane Irene preparations.
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
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deathbyjustice
One thing I have learned about entering any debate about abortion, folks on both sides have tunnel vision. It's the most frustrating experience I have ever had, trying to calmly discuss this issue. I don't believe it can be done.
Be honest!
"But social conservatives who favor limiting abortions see the regulations as a way to better ensure the safety of abortion procedures at clinics,"
Actually, when it comes right down to it, "social conservatives" favor abolishing all abortions for any reason, and see the regulations as a way to impose their philosophy on all, while piously blithering about "safety". They will use any dishonesty to further their position. while actually ignoring the medical consequenses to those women in the most need of prenatal care and counselling..
Politics-not public health issue at all
David Grimes,former chief of the CDC branch that monitors abortion safety said this about TRAP laws:
"I can say with confidence that these regulations will not have a single positive impact on women's health. Having published on every hemorrhaged abortion death in the United States, I can assure you that not a single one was caused by a door width. In public health, we identify a problem, figure out the causes, look for solutions, and implement them. Here we see a vigorous response in the absence of a problem. It's science run amok. It's public health run backwards."
Abortion is already one of the safest procedures a woman can have—much safer than having a baby. If it's all about safety,why not advocate for better prenatal care. Hypocrisy
Re: Politics-not public health issue at all
If we take David Grimes' argument to its logical extreme, then since it's safer (for the mother) to have an abortion than to have a baby, then for the safety of the mother every baby should be aborted. But if all babies are aborted, then there will eventually be no mothers (or anyone else).
two things you obviously don't get
quotation marks & logic.
Standards are standards and should apply equally
It is a fact, albeit ignored in this article, that women have died in abortion clinics in this country. Other women have had serious complications that have resulted in surgery being needed by real doctors to correct problems done in these abortion clinics. There is a legitimate need to bring these clinics up to the same standards as other similar facilities. And if those clinics that perform cosmetic surgery need to have their standards raise, then so be it. All medical procedures should be done safely. Bellyaching (pun intended) about the standards as if it is to deter abortions and promote a political agenda is hypocritical unless you advocate a return to the filthy backalley abortions. This should be viewed as an improvement.
Many tattoo shops do more
Many tattoo shops do more invasive surgical procedures with some of their body piercings; do you think the state cares about that?
Silly
Got to have those kids come into the world, so we can deny the good schools, healthcare and a decent life. Why can't folks stay out of women's reproductive decisions? I guess that this is where big government comes in handy? Will my dentist office have to meet the same standards?
Typical right wing politics:
Typical right wing politics: Big government is bad--- get them out of my gun control, my medical care, my right to pollute the environment, my obligation to pay taxes...but...oh, wait...what's that you say...oh, yes, please...I would love to have big government in my bedroom. That makes total sense!! As Clinton said, an abortion should be safe, legal, and rare. Republicans would prefer we move it back to expensive and dangerous back-alley procedures. Then only rich white girls can get one for "medical" reasons. Love the Republican rationale for these arguments....
Comment deleted
Comment removed for rules violation. Reason: Post continued, repeated