Va. Health Chief Resigns over New Abortion Rules

Regulations treat abortion clinics the same as hospitals

Virginia's health commissioner resigned Thursday afternoon because of recently passed state rules that regulate abortion clinics in the same way as new hospitals.

In her resignation letter to colleagues, Karen Remley wrote that "how specific sections of the Virginia Code pertaining to the development and enforcement of these regulations have been and continue to be interpreted has created an environment in which my ability to fulfill my duties is compromised and in good faith I can no longer serve in my role," the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.

On Sept. 14, the state Board of Health adopted the stricter regulations, reversing its June vote to exempt clinics. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli had refused to certify the regulations because of the exemption, and he warned board members they might lose legal representation if they defied his advice.