Virginia to improve safety for abortion survivors

The state of Virginia is finally drafting emergency regulations for abortions clinics that will improve safety--for the survivors. By mandating that clinics be regulated as hospitals, proponents of the new regulations claim they will make the women using the clinics safer. Opponents claim they will only restrict access to abortions.

RICHMOND, VA (Catholic Online) -  The General Assembly passed legislation earlier this year, mandating abortion clinics be treated as hospitals instead of as doctor's offices. The sensible adjustment is consistent with what legislators in South Carolina have done, and the as yet unseen draft of the new regulations is said to be based on South Carolina's rules. The state Health Department is expected to release the regulations on Friday. 

The rules, while an improvement, only affect first-trimester abortions. Virginia law already requires that later-term abortions must be performed in hospitals. 

Numerous states are on a trend of improving controls on abortion clinics. So far this year, 85 abortion restrictions have been enacted across the U.S., up from the previous record of 34 enacted in 2005. While religious influences and growing conservatism undoubtedly play a role, women's safety is the driving factor in the changes. 

Joe Hilbert, director of legislative affairs for the state's Health Department said, "The regulations we are finalizing address numerous health-care topics, including infection prevention and quality improvements." He also referred to a, "great increase in knowledge and awareness" since South Carolina adopted their new rules. As Hilbert pointed out, the regulations are comprehensive and are not simply designed to restrict abortions. 

Advocates insist that most of the regulations have nothing to do with abortions. In addition to rules about sanitation, other rules ensure properly widened walkways and doorways, to ensure quick passage in the event of an emergency. These practices are already in place in hospitals, so it's a logical step to incorporate them into facilities that perform invasive medical procedures such as abortions. 

Despite the legislative apologetics, Planned Parenthood in Virginia, claims the new rules will mean remodeling and may result in some clinics having to close. Planned Parenthood naturally opposes the changes, although they will only make clinics safer.

Still, despite the improvements, one grim statistic will persist. Only half the patients who enter an abortion clinic remain likely to survive the visit.

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