Poll: Most Virginia voters support tougher abortion clinic rules

[Aimee4]

http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/298334
"According to the survey by Quinnipiac University, 55 percent of voters said they support tougher regulations, while 22 percent opposed it."

I have to question the legitimacy of this poll. First, only 25% of those surveyed had even heard of the bill. Second, the way the question was posed did not disclose the full measures of the bill nor the impact. Here is the entire poll http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1284.xml?ReleaseID=1643&What=&strArea=20;&strTime=0

The poll stated the question in this manner: The new rules are the product of a new law in Virginia that reclassified abortion clinics as hospital facilities. According to the new regulations, all abortion clinics and physician offices providing abortions would have to meet specific building and safety requirements that until now, have only been required of hospitals; such as 250-square-foot operating rooms and specific ventilation systems. Do you approve or disapprove of this change that would require the state's abortion clinics to be regulated like hospitals or don't you know?

The new rules also say hallways have to be 5 feet wide, specify the type of window coverings, how loud the air conditioner can be, and the ceiling height. Currently, abortion clinics are regulated the same as clinics that provide oral surgery, plastic surgery and other invasive procedures, such as colonoscopies. At least 17 out of the 21 clinics providing abortions in Virginia will most likely close because the cost of renovation is too much. And frankly, the measures required by the new law have absolutely nothing to do with protecting women's health, as the supporters claim.

Lastly, I doubt the independence of the survey. "There is strong support for the new abortion law among men and women," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "Opponents apparently have been unable to convince the electorate that this is an unwarranted back-door way to stop abortions. Even Democrats, by a plurality, support the measure." Although Quinnipiac University Poll has a good reputation, and is one of the largest, this statement from the assistant director makes it clear that he supports the new law.