May 31, 2010 - Monday May 31 marks the one-year anniversary of the senseless murder of Dr. George Tiller, a physician from Wichita, Kansas, who courageously provided needed reproductive health care to women facing some of the most difficult medical circumstances and complex pregnancies.
Despite facing violence and intimidation by opponents of legal and safe abortion throughout his career, Dr. Tiller remained committed to providing women and their families with compassionate care.
On April 1, Dr. Tiller's murderer, Scott Roeder, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Although the person responsible for Dr. Tiller's murder is being held accountable, the tremendous loss of Dr. Tiller will be felt for years to come by his family and friends and the women who may need critical care when faced with a complicated pregnancy.
Dr. Tiller's murder is a reminder of the threat abortion providers face every day. We appreciate the efforts of the Obama administration and the Department of Justice to work with the reproductive health care community to address the threats and harassment that our providers deal with daily.
Planned Parenthood's hope is that the virulent and inflamed rhetoric directed at abortion providers and women who seek abortion de-escalates. There is simply no place in civil society for this outrageous and frightening intimidation.
We mark the sad occasion of the anniversary of Dr. Tiller's death by remembering his family, his community and his patients across America who were touched by Dr. Tiller's courage and compassion.
Website: www.plannedparenthood.org
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