HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/10/2026 - Email Kelly McKeown - Opposition to Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment - abortion clinicWARNING: This Message Is From an External Sender, Use Caution!
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From:Kelly McKeown
To:Board of Supervisors
Subject:[EXTERNAL] - Opposition to Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Date:Tuesday, February 10, 2026 12:23:37 PM
Dear Members of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and Planning
Commission,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment to
the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance that seeks to restrict the operation of abortion
clinics within our county.
Healthcare decisions should be made by patients and their doctors, not by zoning
boards. When we allow local land-use regulations to dictate where medical
procedures can occur, we effectively allow government officials to insert themselves
into private medical consultations. You are not medical professionals, this is not your
job.
This proposal targets legal, essential healthcare and stigmatizes our community. By
singling out one specific type of medical care for restrictive zoning, the County sends
a message that it is an unwelcoming environment for both healthcare providers and
residents seeking reproductive services. These facilities often provide a wide range of
preventative care, and limiting their location creates unnecessary barriers to health
for our neighbors. Abortion is Healthcare.
Zoning should be about land use, not personal political agendas. The purpose of
our zoning districts is to manage traffic, noise, and infrastructure—not to pick and
choose which legal medical services are "permissible" based on political preferences.
Abortion clinics don't cause any zoning issues. Stop imposing your own personal
views on your civic duty.
I urge the Board to reject this amendment and keep Roanoke County’s zoning
focused on legitimate land-use planning rather than restricting healthcare access.
Sincerely,
Kelly Key
2315 Rutrough Rd.
Roanoke, VA 24014