by Moon-howler
Moonhowlings.net

I am unsure how the women in Virginia will now have access to legal and safe abortion. The reversal of a previous ruling by the Virginia Board of Health, due to the bullying tactics our Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli, puts all LEGAL abortion clinics in an untenable position to operate. Naral Virginia explains the consequences of the Boards actions.

On Friday, September 14, the Virginia Board of Health defied the recommendations of legal and medical experts in voting 13-2 to subject existing women’s health centers to burdensome buildings regulations. After months of pressure tactics by Attorney General Cuccinelli, the Board reversed its earlier decision to grandfather in existing clinics and exempt them from the medically unnecessary regulations. If signed into law, these regulations will force up to twenty women’s health centers in Virginia to shut down.

“We are stunned by today’s vote, and extremely disappointed in the thirteen Board of Health members who decided to put political ideology before evidence-based scientific fact,” said Tarina Keene, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia. “Hundreds of voices were silenced today.”

More than 300 pro-choice advocates were shut out of the vote, despite repeated requests to move the meeting to a location that could accommodate public discussion. Among those denied the chance to speak were several legal and constitutional experts, set to testify that in rejecting the Board’s June vote, Attorney General Cuccinelli had exceeded his authority and undermined the Board’s decision-making power. Several physicians and clinic advisors were also blocked from testifying on behalf of the nearly 200 Virginia doctors who urged the Board to reject political pressure and protect women’s access to essential medical care.

These new government regulations have NOTHING to do with protecting women’s health. My next door neighbors daugther is getting her wisdom teeth extracted, one of which is impacted. She will be under IV anesthesia, she will get stiches, she will have to go on antibiotics to avoid infection. As unpleasant as abortion may be, it is NOT as invasive as getting your wisdom teeth pulled and requires NONE of the above medical intervention. Yet all those other out patient procedures, dentistry, cosmetic surgery, foot surgery, will not bear the brunt of these new building code regulations. Republicans who support this measure are utter hypocrites in my opinion. They rail against Obamacare but LOVE to abuse government power to prevent abortion and gay marriage.

I am disgusted by their arrogance. They espouse their love of the “unborn” but can’t wait to cut the very government services that provide help to children in poverty.

by Moon-howler
Moonhowlings.net