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July 19, 2013

Virginia's Largest Abortion Clinic Closes Under New Regulations 
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In Virginia, the state's largest abortion provider has closed under
pressure from anti-choice restrictions. NOVA Women's Healthcare in
Fairfax tried to change locations after new state regulations forced
clinics to meet hospital-style building standards. But its permit
application to upgrade a new space was denied by officials citing
inadequate parking. When the Fairfax City Council learned of NOVA's
plans to move, they approved changes forcing clinics to go through extra
layers of approval and expensive permitting. The clinic had also agreed
to leave its former location following lawsuits from its landlord over
complaints including the "unreasonable annoyance" caused by anti-choice
protesters. A local NARAL spokesperson told The Washington Post that in
addition to abortion, "thousands of women also relied on [the clinic]
for birth control and other healthcare, and they went to NOVA because
they could not afford care otherwise. Now they are left without their
trusted healthcare provider, in part due to politicians." Virginia's
harsh new regulations forced another clinic in Norfolk to close in
April.

 

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