New Virginia Abortion Clinic Regulations are Life-Saving

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Columnist | Updated: Sep 19, 2011

New Virginia Abortion Clinic Regulations are Life-Saving

The Virginia Board of Health voted 12-1 last week to adopt new regulations for the state's 22 abortion clinics. Pro-abortionists argued that the new rules, which will place these clinics on par with other medical facilities, could shut many of them down. Good!

In a crafty move, the new regulations are being treated as emergency rules, so they will take effect December 31. Permanent rules will then be written.

The regulations are some of the toughest in the nation. They include mandates on the size of exam rooms, the width of hallways and the number of parking spaces, as well as requirements for inspections, medical procedures and record-keeping. As Chris Freund of the conservative Family Foundation of Virginia said, "Without adequate regulations, there is simply no way for anyone to know what's happened inside these clinics."

We know what ultimately happens. Babies are killed and their mothers are lied to. These new Virginia rules will make both less likely and will save lives and heartache. Other states should follow the Virginia example.

I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.

Publication date: September 19, 2011

New Virginia Abortion Clinic Regulations are Life-Saving