This letter was originally written to members of the National Abortion Federation and is reprinted here with permission.

Editor’s note: This article, being republished in April 2013, was originally published by Rewire in 2011 when the details about illegal abortions performed by Dr. Kermit Gosnell first became clear.

The recent arrest of a Philadelphia doctor and his associates has made national headlines and led some women to ask how they can be sure they are choosing a quality abortion provider.

Although stories like this get a lot of media coverage, it’s important that you understand that this particular facility in Philadelphia is an outlier and not typical of the high-quality abortion care provided by NAF members.

The doctor in question, Dr. Kermit Gosnell, was NOT a NAF member. As the Grand Jury Report in this case notes, Gosnell applied for NAF membership in late 2009, but his application was rejected because his facility did not meet NAF’s standards for quality care.

What Does It Mean to be a NAF Member?
In order to become a NAF member, a facility must complete a rigorous application process. Member facilities must comply with our Clinical Policy Guidelines (CPGs), which set the standards for quality abortion care in North America. In fact, the Grand Jury Report states that NAF standards, “are, in many ways, more protective of women’s safety than are the state’s [Pennsylvania] regulations.” NAF conducts site visits to confirm that our members, or any prospective members, are in compliance with our Guidelines, which helps ensure that women receive high-quality abortion care.

Finding a Quality Provider
Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures. Even the Grand Jury Report acknowledges the safety of abortion, and clearly distinguishes between this one facility and the legitimate abortion providers in the state of Pennsylvania.

If you have questions about how to find an abortion provider offering high-quality care, please visit our website or call the NAF Hotline Referral Line (1-877-257-0012). Visit our website to learn more about choosing the right abortion provider.