NARAL Pro-Choice America's Statement on the Murder of Dr. George Tiller

This is how PRO LIFE people support LIFE, right??
It is unbelievable !! They may value the very beginnings of life, the foetus, more than a grown older human being. Our family is disgusted and appalled by this demonstration of the hypocrisy in the fanatic right.

What a tragedy everywhere to lose a committed care giver for women's right to choose! It does show "The Rights' hypocrisy! . My heart goes out to Dr. Tiller's family, friends and collegues! We are all collegues in the fight and support of women's reproductive FREEDOM

I hope his family understands the love and respect that all of us feel for the man Dr. Tiller was. A man of principle is truly hard to find these days.

If Dr. Tiller's murder is due to his pro choice stance, hopefully anyone still on the fence about this issue will see what the other side is really like. They clearly don't have respect for life.

I was shocked and extremely saddened to hear the news about Dr. Tiller's murder today. As someone who has worked in abortion care for years, Dr. Tiller was a hero and a constant reminder of a the value of a positive attitude in the face of adversity. He was there for our patients when they had nowhere else left to turn to. I feel extremely shaken by his murder, and at the same time more committed than ever to our mission - to continue to provide safe and legal abortions to women who need them, and to value the private relationship between a woman and her doctor, trusting that together they will make the best decision for her individual circumstances.

Thank you, NARAL, for the work you do for all of us every day. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Tiller's family, friends and coworkers.

committing cold blooded murder in the name of "pro life" is hypocritical and unconscionable!

Just a shameful, horrible tragedy. This sort of behavior is domestic terrorism, and must be dealt with as such.
Thanks to NARAL for defending the rights of women every day.

Here we go again. Having lived through this when our daughter worked for the Planned Parent clinic in Boston, my family and I remember how horrifying it is and the scars such actions leave. Our thoughts are with the family and all those associated with Dr. Tiller and the clinic. I had hoped we had moved beyond this type of dissent, but I was wrong.

This murder is appalling, and in church, no less.
Extremism leads to intransigence and ultimately to violence.
Bravo to Dr. Tiller who refused to submit to those who believe that a woman is just a vessel whose own life has little worth.

Life is hard and some women and families face painful and difficult choices. Shame on all those everywhere who think they know better.

If you are in Washington DC, please join us this evening for a vigil at Dupont Circle at 9pm. We want to honor this brave man and show our sympathy for his family.

We are in deep grief over the news of Dr. Tiller's murder. We wish to honor the great man and his family for their courage.

As a Wichita resident I'm sickened and saddened that this happened in our community. Silly me for thinking the radical days of the extremism ended back in the ninties. I can only imagine the horror of Dr. Tiller's church family as the murder occurred. I can't even wrap my brain around it. Pray for his family, pray for his community, pray for the women in Kansas who now will go without an abortion doctor...

This act of wonton violence should be labelled for what it is. TERRORISM. Why the concern about bringing the detained at Gitmo to the United States, when we have our indigenous terorist roaming free. My hart aches fr our beloved country today and everyday acts of violence are perpeturated against our people. May God bless Dr. Tiller and his family.

If the anti choice want to act like the Taliban we should treat them as such.

I am saddened and appalled by the murder of Dr. Tiller. My sympathies are extended to his loving family, friends, collegues, and patients. This is such a tragedy. Many physicians, as it is, are fearful of their lives if among their other procedures they, also, allow a woman to choose what is right for her and give her reproductive freedom.
To think that people who support the actions of the person who killed this fine man call themselves "pro life!" What is "pro life" about shooting a person in cold blood? Do these same "pro life" persons, also, decry the needless war in Iraq, or the death penalty, or the over 30,000 people killed each year by GUNS?

Again, my sympathies to Dr. Tiller's family and extended family.

From where I sit in my apartment, I know of at least a dozen children on 'my' block that would have been better off aborted instead of 'alive' and being abused as they are now. They have little or NO chance at a decent future and will more than likely only grow old enough to produce more unfortunates to abuse as that is about all they know. Children learn by example and these are certainly not seeing an acceptable one in their homes. I have tried to encourage most of them by driving them to school and providing them with materials since the 'parents' seldom do, but, it's not enough and as the years go by, I usually see them give up, join gangs or otherwise go to the streets. A total shame. Then I realize, these are only the children I know, then multiply these by the thousands I don't know.

SO THE MISERY AND UN-PRODUCTIVITY CONTINUES. WE NEED THESE SPECIAL DOCTORS THAT WILL STAND UP TO PROVIDE SAFE METHODS FOR THESE THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN BORNE INTO THESE KIND OF CONDITIONS!!!

THANK YOU

This just pushes me farther and farther away from organized religion and belief in a "Big Daddy" God.

My sympathies to both Dr. Tiller's family and the family of the murderer. They are all victims too.

Every time one of ours gets murdered, put away in prison by political fiat or consistently and horribly threatened, abused or maligned, we do nothing. The Republican Party (called that because they're having a fascist party whenever they can steal enough money from the treasury for the festivitities)and their NeoCon Black Shirts doesn't believe in the Constitution as the "law of the land" and we let them get away with their treasons. So? Whose fault is it when we allow coyotes to behave like coyotes?

My heart goes out to the Tiller family and to the churchgoers who had to bear witness to this terrorist attack. He will be remembered.

I live in Wichita and I was shocked and infuriated when I read that Dr. Tiller was gunned down, while he was attending church with his family no less. I posted my own feelings on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section and was saddened to see that it is already filling up with posts from religious nuts claiming that Dr. Tiller "got what he deserved" and is "burning in hell". The hypocrisy of these so-called Christians really angers me. I am very ashamed to be from Kansas sometimes. We really are not all so narrow-minded but that seems to be the opinion of the majority in this area.

The city of Wichita has lost a very good man and I hope that his family finds peace. He helped so many women through the years even though he knew it put him at risk of harm and I hope that his killer is swiftly brought to justice. I am very grateful that there are medical providers out there who are committed to providing women with choices and excellent care.

I am so sad right now in hearing of the terrible murder of Dr. Tiller. I cannot believe it has happened again in this country where it is legal for a woman to terminate her pregnancy. Doctor's who perform abortions need special protection so that they do not have to be hurt this way anymore. I would like to extend my sympathy to his family, a brave man indeed.

I am ashamed of being a Kansan today. I only hope my granddaughters will consider other states to call "home". We must stop ignoring the barbaric attitudes of Wichita and Topeka and fight for our voice! May an F5 hit both armpits of Kansas.

The murder of Dr Tiller is both appauling and undeserved, yet also are the assumptions that this was perpetrated by a pro-life individual. It is not up to us to be his judge, jury, and executioner. His work was preformed within the law of the land and only God will be his judge. Although I don't agree with it as a pro-lifer I must condemn this action against Dr Tiller. My sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. God Bless!

I agree with all the other bloggers. The killing of Dr.Tiller. What a cruel loss. My sympathies to his family and the people he served and worked with. Their loss must be unbearable.
As Colleen said, "extremism leads ....to violence."
It is always curious to me. Pro Choice is not against Pro Life. But some of the Pro Life group must feel so threatened by the idea of choice for women that they feel compelled to lash out with violence. I hope, in time, that will change.

As a social worker at a rape crisis center, I had countless heart wrenching conversations with women whose rape resulted in pregnancy, and who arrived at the difficult, complicated decision to have an abortion many weeks into the pregnancy, Had it not been for Dr Tiller, these women would have sought out termination by any means possible, no matter the risks.

Dr Tiller offered safe, compassionate care to women, and put himself in harm's way by so doing.

I've not yet met a pro-choice person who wasn't also for life...Dr Tiller was both. He will be greatly, sorely missed.

With sincere sympathy,
Janine Arseneau

My heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Tiller's family and friends. Not to be prejudiced against men, I am married and have two sons, and like Dr. Tiller, there are such great men around, I will bet a million dollars it was a man who shot him. If I am wrong, I apologize. It just seems to me that these men don't want women to have the choice they deserve and if men became pregnant, I just bet they would be free to consider abortion and no one would say a word about it.

Having spent 25 of my working years providing women's health/abortion services, I am shocked to hear about Dr.Tiller's tragic murder. I had the privilege to meet him many years ago and admired his dedication in providing abortions to women who chose, for a number of very painful reasons, to terminate their pregnancies. My thoughts go to his family...he will surely missed and surely remembered as a true fighter to death for all women.

I have to say that I am in tears. Dr. Tiller was a very brave man. Few doctors took the risks he did due to his ideals. I am appalled at the idiocy that reverberates in the pro-life movement. What about the life of George Tiller?!!Do you really think many other doctors will be willing to risk their life to help women?

My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family!

When will true Freedom finally ring across the Earth?

Only when Truth is spoken loud and clear.
Truth must be known to every ear.

When Humans stand and say: "Look here, we are all one from the same Spirit. Love does not hate condone.
We all together are partners of Equal Standing."

United in the compassion of the Human Spirit, we may build a better Civilization.

Such ones, to murder in their rage and hate, should have no further place in a Civil World.

People like that J-NUTT should be rounded-up and put into asylums

Dr.Tiller's murder was predictable. The anti choice bunch has been gearing up for this since Obama was elected. They killed Dr. David Gunn in Pensacola,FL.
Three months after President Clinton was sworn in.
I fear this is the just the beginning of more violence.

To J Nutt - you are no different than a suicide bomber in Iraq or Afganistan. This is why so many of us disdain religion anymore. Too many crazies!!!

It amazes me how you can proclaim a pro-life position and yet still say THE BASTARD DESERVED WHAT HE GOT.

You make me sick.

Dr. George Tiller was the nicest man I have ever met. He helped my best friend out when we needed it most. Have the pro-life people ever seen an unwanted abused child????? I guess not.......
Sure, let the children be abused and tortured for many years before they die, if a women or man does not want the child, they will get rid of it one way or another.
Tears of sadness for George and his family.
Why is it that all the GOOD people are taken from us and the evil are still here?
We love him now and forever.
Mom in MN

What a disgusting comment J. Nutt. I only hope that if your family was facing the loss of their loved one under such horrific conditions, people would show you the compassion you obviously lack. Dr. Tiller put his life on the line to help women who desperately needed medical care under tragic circumstances and the fact you would even consider saying this makes me sick.

I'm sorry that someone cares so little about life that they would take the life of this man because of the work he does. I don't beleive in abortion for birth control reasons and I would like to beleive that people start doing everything possible to prevent an unwanted pregnancy brfore choseing to abort. Most late term abortions by Dr. Tiller, were done due to problems with the baby, My neice was 6 months pregnant and found out the baby had a heart condition. The baby would only live a few days after birth. She felt it was best to have the abortion as the baby would not of lived. Under these conditions, when the baby will not live or will be faced with a life full of pain for the child and everyone in the family, there isn't much else you can do. It is a very difficult topic. I can't day I am pro life or pro choice. I see the point of both sides and I think you should and should not have an abortion, depending on the situation. You should however, never feel you have the right to take the life of someone because you hate what that person does. I'm very sorry for his family and I hope the person who did this to him will pay the price.

I will cry forever tears for Dr. George Tiller. The devil was sure at work today, but God will take care of George for us now. He is in a better place.
The man who killed him should be hung, a slow, painful death.
Dr. George Tiller, I will love you forever and forever and you will never be forgotten.
I will see you when my time has come in Heaven.
Thank you Dr. George Tiller for helping all of us that came to see you. I always wanted to make another trip to see you and see if I could help out in anyway, but I never made it. I am so sorry now that I put it off, but I know I will see you again some day
Love always,
maria

WHY DO YOU THINK THIS PERSONS LAST NAME IS NUTT???

I sent this note to every prochoice ortanization in USA.. each state...

We call on opponents of a woman’s right to choose to condemn this action completely and absolutely. What happened today in Wichita cannot become the beginning of a more aggressive wave of violence targeting abortion providers and the women for whom they provide care. Women accessing their legal right to abortion—and the providers who make this possible—should never be targets of violence.

WE MUST MAKE MAJOR NOISE OVER THIS

THis is a premeditated MURDER

THe death penalty should be pushed and honored for the cost of this mans life and deliberate terrorist crime

Wendy Cicio
444 Southern Hills Drive
Calera Al
35040

How hypocritical that someone who professes to be "pro-life" would murder someone! We who condemn Muslim countries for having terrorists have our own right-wing terrorists right here.

I'm terrified, for my daughters and for everyone's daughters.
I don't know what to do to turn my fear and anger to something productive.

I am disgusted and horrified that in this day and age we are still resorting to this kind of violence because we are allowed free choice. What sense does it make to end a life when you are supposedly fighting the ending of embryo's lives? It's rediculous and hypocritical!!! I just don't have enough words to express my disappointment in humankind and the lack of advancement for acceptance.
My prayers are with Dr.Tillers family and friends, and I thank them all for supporting choices for women of all kind, who need to decide for themselves what their circumstances are and whether or not they can raise a child.
sending all who work under these conditions and for the cause all of our love and light,
The Hekkers

Lavonne said it all. Every city has this same situation but the pro-life don't care about the abuse and neglect in the childs life. After they talk the women out of the abortion, their work is done, at least in their little minds. Go to the ghetto's and open your eyes and you will believe in abortion in a New York minute.
Everyday we hear where children are killed after years of abuse. WAKE UP PRO-LIFE PEOPLE, WAKE UP..
MARY IN HARLEM, NEW YORK

I am a 72 Mother Grandmother Wife of 50 yrs and long time pro choice supporter. Thank you Dr. Tiller peace be with and your family. Granny in St Louis

The person, J. NUTT, who posted such vile nonsense, probably used a false name.

J. NUTT, your pain is very obvious to everyone. It is SO sad however you were abused as a child. It is SO sad to see your life has become so worthless. If you will present your true name and address, help for you will arrive very shortly.

First to J.Nutt, you are A DISPICABLE thing..Note, I will not refer to you as a Human Being!!!!!!! I see your last name Nutt sums up what you are.... You should be locked up, you are a WHACK JOB~ To the Tiller Family for their Great Loss, my Prayers are with you... Dr. Tiller will make it to Heaven. He provided Safe means for Woman who CHOSE this Procedure, it was Their CHOICE........ The Old days were back alleys and wire hangers, How BARBARIC.... Thanks to Dr. Tiller and ALL the other Providers in Womans Healthcare for ALL they Provide to Woman..... The man that Shot Dr. Tiller is a COLD BLOODY KILLER, for that he should be PUNISHED.....Church is a HOUSE OF WORPSHIP, GOD's HOUSE, I am sure GOD wasn't too Happy having a KILLER at his Home...
Rest in Peace, Dr. Tiller~

J NUTT is just that - a certified NUT!!!
J. Nutt is most probably a man. He has never experienced the terrified and panicky feeling of maybe being pregnant after being raped! He's like most men who like to rule with their dick.

Hey Nutt, fork over the money to take care of all the unwanted, abused and neglected children that are born to people that do not want them but did not have an abortion. 3,4,5,6.7 children or more and the mother has no one to help her take care of them or no money to even feed them.
Come on, give them a couple million dollars to care for all the welfare children in this country. Don't you know the more children they have the more money they get from welfare?
Send in the millions now, and then you can say George got what he deserved......
Give it up or shut up!!!!!!!

I am terribly troubled by this act of savagery against Dr. Tiller and all people of faith and good heart. This is MURDER! Killing is never justified.

The murderer is a barbarian. He is the product of a society that prefers barbaric ways like illegal back room abortions rather than education, and available health care...which includes sterile elective abortions. No one is forcing members of his family to get abortions. There is a large number of US citizens who approve of the right to seek and have an elective abortion. No one is forced to take part.

ILLITERATE, UNEDUCATED, CRUDE SAVAGE, MAY YOU NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY AGAIN! MAY YOU NEED MEDICAL CARE WHILE AWAITING THE DEATH PENALTY AND NOT BE ABLE TO GET IT.

I can not stop crying. My heart aches for the Tiller family, the community that witnessed his death, the women who have lost such an ardent supporter of their rights and health, and for this country that just begins to make steps forward then has it all shattered by extremists who have no respect for the law.
I have no idea if or how many children the doctor had. I want the family to know that their father, son, husband,friend was a great man and hero appreciated by many and highly respected for his true commitment to the law and human rights.This is little consolation at this time but something they can hang onto and be proud of as their grief eventually subsides{and that takes a long,long time}.
As Obama asks the nation to find common ground, I ask him also to ensure that the terrorist who killed this honorable man is prosecuted by the full power of the law as all terrorists worldwide should be.
Also as Obama asks the nation to find common ground I ask the anti choice community and organizations to prove to us they stand for life by denouncing this terrorist's actions.
May the Tiller family find some Peace and comfort.This time is so hard for them. I also beg the media to please give the Tiller family the privacy and respect they need at this time.
We all are mourning...

We in the pro-choice community have not been as vigilant; as protective; as assertive as we had in the past. There were many days we spent as "human shields" giving physicians, their staff and the women who sought to exercise their right to choice safe passage in and out of clinics. I grieve for the loss of Dr. Tiller as I grieved the loss of Dr. Gunn and all those who have been victimized and terrorized by individuals and groups who seek to deny freedom of choice. My sympathies go out to the family of Dr. Tiller, his staff and patients. You have suffered a tremendous loss. We are all with you in this time of sorrow. Dr. Tiller was obviously a man sensitive to the rights of women, and willing to put himself in jeopardy for decades to provide care. My sympathies too to the good people of Kansas; to all those in Wichita traumatized by this senseless act of terrorism. Back to the streets with protests, back to the clinics to shield the innocent, be a persistent thorn in the side of every politician sympathetic to these terrorists. ACT NOW! It could be my nieces, or your daughters, or an innocent victim of rape or incest. We need to rise up. Honor Dr. Tiller by standing firm as he did.

If someone believes in the sanctity of life, how can they take a life in cold blood? How can people insist on controlling the lives of others when they so obviously have no control of their own lives? What about Jesus' message for peace? Have these "Christians" forsaken Christ? Are they then merely "ians?" Is the life of a child precious, but not the life of a woman or a doctor? Are we not all children in the eyes of the Christian God? We must fully and swiftly prosecute these violent people so the rest of us are safe. To attempt to control others through acts of terror is terrorism. To stop terrorism we must stop the perpetrators of senseless violence against our fellow citizens. Why can't these fanatics who allegedly believe in the sanctity of life help the homeless, or adopt unwanted babies, or disabled children. There is so much unfairness and hurt in the world, why not direct extra energy to healing horrible situations rather than causing entirely new ones? Stop the killers, stop the fanatics. Put them in jail. Send a clear message. The airlines shows no tolerance for anyone threatening to have a knife, gun, or bomb, yet these hateful, violent "right to life" zealots post names on websites of doctors to target, threaten violence towards women whose circumstances they can't even fathom, and attack and murder doctors who are only trying to help them through difficult times. Why not take their threats seriously rather than wait until a violent act results in tragedy as it's done in the life of Dr. Tiller. Dr. Tiller was an honest and courageous man who lived by his convictions. To be killed in such a violent way is an act against the Christian God in whom he too believed.

My prayers and sympathy goes out th Dr. Tiller's family and I praise him for his dedication to women and families in need of help and understanding. This action must bring people who believe in pro choice closer togeter and make us stronger. May Dr. Tiller's murder make us more determined than ever to keep fighting for the right to choose. We must demand that this person is brought to justice. We must not let the far right make a hero of him. My sympathy and love,
Rita Deen

This murder is no different from the drownings of witches at Salem or the Taliban's crashing into the World Trade Center. It is the result of religous vitriol--fundamentalist teachings that cause fear and hatred and incite violence in the name of God.

America has lost a hero--a VERY brave man dedicated to the health and well-being of his patients. One never forgets the images of the inviable fetuses, the babies developing without a brain, or a face, or a spinal column, or an abdominal wall. There is no happy choice for the parents in these cases. Then there are the very young victims of rape and incest. Who will take care of these women now?

The world was a better and safer place for women because of Dr. Tiller. It is high time for doctors of all disciplines to break their silence of compliance with the religious right and to speak up in defense of a woman's right to choose.

This is a sad reminder of how far we still have to go in protecting women's rights. I encourage everyone to donate to NARAL and other women's rights groups so that we can continue the fight, and dedicate your donations to the memory of Dr. Tiller. I only hope that we can continue to find providers as courageous as he was who will help defend our right to choose.

I am disgusted by this terrible tragedy. If only a national law could be in place that would automatically,without a trial, send the killer to prison for life without parole or death. Some people will say that you shouldn't become like a killer and want to kill; however,a punishment of great magnitude should be applied. Religious zealots have too much control in our country. And we are letting this happen in a round about way. Resistance, whether through the media or on the streets has to change or improve. We really need a better type of strategy in order to disassemble the work of these sick individuals. "dp" does not understand that as women we don't condone abortions; but want the right to decide. I am 65 and I will tell you that no man or woman will decide what to do with my body without my final input.

I wonder if this is a case of a lone assassin or if he supported by a group. Regardless, they are all terrorists and should be prosecuted and executed as such.
It's clear that "pro-life" only means that if you agree with them. There is and can be no proof of when human life begins. The critical distinction is "Human Life". We have no qualms about killing sophisticated mammals with intelligence close to our own and it's legal because they are not human. What makes us human is our intellect and ability to make decisions. The "heart and soul" reside in our cortex. So how can a few cells be "human"? Up to 50% are spontaneously aborted with no intervention anyway.
Pregnancy termination is and must remain a personal moral and religious decision. Those who cling to the Pope's edicts have their right to believe it begins at conception. No one is forcing them to have an abortion.
It is, therefore, fundamentally a religious issue. Otherwise the Pope would not be involved. Others must also have the Freedom of Religion guaranteed in the First Amendment.
It will be interesting to see how Kansas law enforcement handles the case. I suspect it will depend on the religious views of the DA.

I am so sorry to hear of this. If convicted, the shooter must be given a maximum sentence. Life perhaps? I will support NARAL in pressing for justice. My sympathy to the family of a brave and righteous man.

What happened to Dr. Tiller is a crime & a shame. The work he does is LEGAL, & a prolife right wing a-hole has no business taking the life of another person, simply because he disagrees with what the doctor did for a living. This makes me more concerned for a good friend of mine who is a gynocologist, & also works in a clinic performing abortions. While I believe in freedom of choice, I would like to see abortions reduced or eliminated with universal use of the birth control pill. This is why sex education has to be put in place in every public high school in the country, & Planned Parenthood educate every patient that goes to them with a birth control pill prescription, & instructions on how to takr the pill. I hope the scum that killed Dr. Tiller gets capital punishment, or life in prison!

Dr. Tiller's death is tragic, but not so shocking. I have heard outlandish things especially from young teenagers who have been watching films in school produced by the right wing "right to lifers."

We must take a stand against this. These films are lies. They show them on tv, same lies. These are not 4 to 6 weeks old, these embryos are 4 to 6 months. If you listen carefully to the ads, the narrator says as much but most people miss it if they'er not concentrating. Still, it's intentions are false implications that are lies.They need to be held accountable. They should have to state what ALL medical ads state THE TRUTH FOLLOWING THE AD.

How are they getting away with this? Spreading medical misinformation. We must take a stand against this. THIS is what killed Dr. Tiller.

I am ashamed.

My family is from the Wichita area. I still have relatives there. Most of them are anti-choice. They disown the violence, but do not understand that their excessively strong words, calling abortion murder, etc., encourage such acts.

When will the so-called pro-life people realize that encouraging, even indirectly, such acts is not pro-life?

I am ashamed.

I'm sadden to hear that Dr. Tiller's life work of protecting women and their rights to make choices about their own bodies has ended. He will be remembered for his dedication, sympathy, and hard work to preserve our rights. I pray his family can find comfort during this trying time. I have to wonder though, how do "pro-lifers" support this type of act. Isn't taking a living, breathing person's life "murder? I'm confused, to protect "life" as they are calling the work they do, they are promoting killing human life?

My heart goes out to Dr. Tiller's family. There seems to be no end to those who will scream about right-to-life and shoot people. How sad for all of us.

Nice civilized society we live in. What anti- abortionists fail to realize is that sometimes a woman has no recourse, but to have an abortion. Everything is not so clear cut, life is not so black and white; everyone's situation is different. It is easy to say that "you would die before you would have an abortion," but until you have walked in someone else's shoes you are not qualified to cast judgment. The complexities of this situation are far ranging and extend beyond what most people think about in their everyday lives. Yes, in an idea world everyone would practice safe birth control, and as easy as birth control means are to obtain I am amazed that women continue to have unwanted pregnancies. However, allowing for youth, cultural differences, educational levels, religious beliefs etc., unwanted pregnancies continue to occur. Society needs to come out of the dark ages, and make birth control a priority if we are to survive as a planet.

With leaders of the anti-choice movement demonizing abortion as they have over the years, our country has seen two awful trends develop: young girls giving birth and then murdering their babies and abortion providers being threatened and gunned down. I feel both of these phenomena are direct results of the zealotry encouraged by leaders such as Randall Terry. I am horrified and broken-hearted that we have lost another advocate of the right to choose. Those who have chosen the slogan "right to life" have made a mockery of the precious essence of human life.

It is amazing to me that someone who claims to be pro-life seemingly thinks nothing of taking the life of another human being! How such a person can call himself a Christian is beyond me! Thankfully the news said that they had a suspect "in custody" so hopefully we can bring about a hearing sooner rather than later.

I hope that this doesn't kick off a "trend" of violence, but (sad to say) that might just happen. During the Clinton years we had a spate of violence, because the anti-choice movement felt on "the defensive" just as they are now.

I also hope that that loony minister Rev. Phelps doesn't make an appearance at Dr. Tiller's funeral. I wouldn't put it past him, but if I see him and his followers waving "God Hates America" signs on the news I'm gonna lose it!

Don't these people realize that if they succeeded in outlawing abortion, they wouldn't get any fewer abortions, just a lot more dead women! Plus a lot more children who grow up horribly abused (physically, emotionally and/or sexually) or neglected because their parents (weather they realize it or not) are angry at them for being born! Which, when you think of it, is in itself an abortion of that child's potential.

I am very shocked and saddened, but we cannot, and should not, get paranoid. Freaking out just gives the lunatic fringe power. We have to keep supporting pro-choice candidates and educating our young people what we mean by free choice.

Stay hopeful and be careful out there!

My deep condolences to Dr. George Tiller's family. My father, also a physician, was a conpasionate man and one who lived with courage. Good doctors are courageous, dedicated people whose special sensibilities lead them to care so much for people. I would like to reach out to those doctors and nurses out there in violence-prone America to tell them that we all support their courageous stance on behalf of a woman's right to choose motherhood when she wants it.

To those people in Kansas who have said that the doctor 'deserved what he got' I say that maybe you have gotten what you deserve, for hearts that hate get hate; you have just made your futures more bleak by your hate and intolerance, and real disrespect for life. Religion is not about hate and it is not about intolerance. That Kansas is full of pseudo-Christians who misunderstand the gospels, is another truly sad issue here. That America's history is blighted because people resolve their disagreements violently is yet another painful fact we must change.

This murder must be punished just as those who would torture human beings in the name of saving America should be punished. They are of a piece with the terrorist who killed Dr. Tiller.

As a pro-life person, I am saddened and outraged by the despicable and cowardly murder of George Tiller.

I am shocked, enraged, outraged over the violence in the hearts, minds, and actions of "evengelical christian pro-life" fanatics.

Like President Obama said, we must not let our differences lead to "heinous acts of violence".

But it is much deeper than that. It is a direct repudiation of Woman's Inalienable Rights to reproductive health care. What does it mean when both men and women fight against Woman's right to take care of her own physical and emotional well being? My answer to that: it is a direct repudiation of Femininity, Femalenes, Womanhood, Womanliness.

And it is done in the name of God.
So that makes it blasphemy.
In fact any physical or psychologicalviolence in the name of Life is blasphemous.

I am deeply saddened by the callous murder of Dr. George Tiller. Regardless of his views, whether pro-choice or pro-life, he did not deserve to be murdered! Did he not have family and friends who loved him? Did he deserve to be taken from them?? How hypocritical is it of a "pro-LIFE" person to take another's life and what kind of message does this action send to the rest of the world?

I think it's absolutely disgusting what was done to Dr. Tiller. The person who did this should be ashamed of themselves. They and the people who bomb abortion clinics and shoot at women and doctors are no better than the pro-choicers they're opposing.

It is deeper than hypocricsy and blasphemy and even misogyny. I have been forced out of jobs in Atlanta area since 1974 because I am from the north, white male, Italian, Catholic, "Liberal". I have been punished by the emotional violence of the fundamentalist "radical" christian right wing over and over again and it has been extremely severe on me. Therefore, I know whereof I speak: many people believe this world is populated by demons. And the "evangelical christians" do in fact believe they have a mission and are sanctioned by God to convert or wipe out anyone they deem to be evil and they believe they know who is evil or not: "I have the right to judge righteousness" they say. This is why they murder and/or persecute people they do not like or whom they hate.
I believe:
The essence of ALL religion is love and reverence for life; the need to commune with Deity/Divinity/God; the need to grow spiritually.
THE ESSENCE OF ALL RELIGION IS NOT HATE AND VIOLENCE AND PERSECUTION AND JUDGMENTALISM AND PUNISHMENT, REVENGE, VENGEANCE

Again, this is a sad, sad moment in our history as a nation of violence.

I am heartbroken that this precious man has been taken from us in such a heartless, senseless, despicable act of hatred. I honor Dr. Tiller for his courage, his dedication, his compassion, his loving care towards the women who were fortunate enough to have him as their physician. This is beyond tragic; may the Creator bless and protect his dear family at this horrific time and gently support them through it because we know S/he is not a reflection of these demonic anti-abortion zygote zealots who outrageously refer to themselves as "Christian" and "pro-life". They are indeed terrorists and maybe we shouldn't close Guantanamo yet because this is where Dr. Tiller's murderer and all the terrorists like him ought to be.

I am sad and shocked to learn of the murder of a great person who worked so hard for women and the right to make free health care decisions in America. God Bless his family in this time of sorrow.

I am deeply saddened for Dr. Tiller's family and his staff. I'm particularly fearful for the women who were to be his patients, tomorrow, this week, this month... Where will they go for the emergency care that only he and a few other physicians have been brave enough to provide? I urge hospitals and surgeons with the skills to provide this necessary abortion care to step up and offer their services to the women who will now be left with nowhere to turn.

As a former clinic director, lobbyist, etc. Dr.
Tiller has always been one of my heros - fearless
and true to the cause he supported, the women
he served and every thing that can be good and right about a human being. His murder hurts the hearts of all who loved and appreciated him.
He was committed and served women regardless of the threats to his very being. The coward who killed Dr. Tiller should endure the strongest of
punishments. And, frankly, it is about time that elected public officials speak out loud and clear that terrorism directed at women and the doctors
who serve them will not be tolerated in a democratic society. This heineous act is partly the result of their silence over the many years since the Supreme Court Decisions on abortion and the continued use of the issue to promote their elections on the backs of women. Enough is enough.

I consider Dr. Tiller's terrible murder in chuch this morning to be an ASSASINATION -- because it was a politically motivated murder
intended to strike at women's legal reproductive rights thru killing this courageous and deeply ethical man.

Is there an address to which we can directly express our sympathy
and concern to his devasatated family ?

Has his family issued any statement about what they would like
us to do to honor him & his brace work?

I am saddened by the senseless death of Dr. Tiller and pray for him, his family, and friends. I believe his killer should be sentenced to jail for the rest of his natural life. There is no justification for the brutal act he committed against a fellow human being. I am pro-life when it comes to abortion and to the death penalty. Government should not be in the business of sanctioning murder, period. We are a country of laws and Dr. Tiller's murderer took the law into his own hands and must now pay for his violent deeds. Abortion is allowed under the laws of the United States and while I may be trying to change the laws within the political system, I decry what has happened today. Please know that I stand together with my opponents on the abortion issue today and denounce this brutal act. It sickens me that a person who might claim to be pro-life would violate this ideal by taking any life. Violence is never the solution. May God comfort and protect all of you during this terrible time.

These people are extremists. Make no mistake this is terrorism. Insanity of this kind is not done by intelligent or democratically minded people. It would be interesting to see just who are perpetrating these crimes. What kind of person thinks this is the right way to solve differences?
I'm curious is there one among them who has ever birthed a child? Carried one?

A hero has been murdered. Sadly, abortion in America is soon to end, regardless of what the law says. Soon there will be no doctors courageous enough to perform the procedure. The terrorist anti-choice extremists are winning this war, slowly, one murder at a time, one intimidation at a time. It's truly sickening.

Well, it is quite obvious that this doctor was specifically targeted and it is almost a certainty that he was targeted because he performs abortions. The individual who committed this crime likely did so not just to eliminate one physician providing abortion services, but to terrify other providers and would be providers, in order to reduce the number of health care providers willing to provide abortion services. This would by definition make this person a terrorist and they should be treated as such. Remember, the 9/11 hijackers thought they were doing the right thing because of their fanatical self-righteousness and religious beliefs and these anti-abortion murderers are no different. They are the American Taliban.

These people are domestic terrorists by definition: Noun: Terrorist
A radical who employs terror as a political weapon; usually organizes with other terrorists in small cells; often uses religion as a cover for terrorist activities.

They must be prosecuted as such.

Jesus stated "He without sin among you let him cast the first stone at her." Some religious still stone raped women & own women. Who should own them as a slave? Exodus describes no penalty for women who choose to terminate pregnancy, nor does any Bible verse.

Medically, a fetus becomes a baby at its first breath. Then, siblings recognize it & it's named, christened, given citizenship, & celebrates zero. Unless you're a surrogate, the only way to give rights to unborn is to take away women's.

Thank you for standing up for my mom, aunt, school teachers, and church women. Thank you for being centrist and not forcing women to create newborns nor abort their pregnancies.

As someone with roots in KS I'd like to respond especially to Kansans feeling the horror of this horrific killing. However, my understanding is that the anti abortion movement chose KS not vice versa. We may feel shame as Kansans, but we can also feel proud and grateful that Dr. Tiller never wavered in his commitment to women's health and we can celebrate his life as one that models the best spirit of the state. It seems fitting to honor Dr. Tiller's legacy by building a state of the art women's health facility in Wichita that can be the best model for an equitable health system/research center serving those in the most need.... In speaking about the need to reform our health care system, President Obama has often mentioned his sadness seeing his mother (also Ks born, with roots near Wichita, and an advocate for women's wellbeing internationally) fight with insurance when she was terminally ill. Can we turn our shame and horror toward energizing a movement to pass single payer health reform nationwide and to create a place in Wichita where all women, regardless of low income, or other marginalizing factors, can come to be treated with dignity, intelligence and compassion? This would honor the legacies of Kansans and others worldwide, who like Dr. Tiller and Dr. Ann Dunham Sutoro have given their best for a better, wiser and more humane world for all, and especially for women.

What madness!!!!!!!! These anti-abortionists say it's murder to have an abortion but what do they do??????? Murder in the name of Murder!!!!!! What's this world coming to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are hearing a lot about this "heinous crime" or this "barbarous" act in the mass media. We must now, finally, begin calling these acts what they are. They are religously inspired acts of Christian Terrorism. They are carried out by the most extreme zealots of the Christian Taliban in America. They are enabled by any and all of the mass media and the churches in this land who claim that abortion is "murder". "Faith" is a necessary (though not sufficient) cause of opposition to abortion, gay marraige, birth control, physician-assisted suicide, etc. Acts of violence against those who participate in any of these things are acts of Christian Terrorism. Christians who actually follow the teachings of their Saviour must understand and clearly face the reality that these acts are motivated by and committed on behalf of an extreme variant of their faith based on THEIR BIBLE. These forces of Christian Authoritarianism must be exposed as the enemies of our republic that they are. They must be isolated by tolerant Christians. Until we are willing to call them what they are, these Christian Terrorists will continue to act in the relaxing comfort of their certainty.

When I first started college, I was driving cab in Toledo, Ohio; a small town boy going to school in the big city; a young poet with a lot of romantic notions about life. I was raised by a union president, liberal, who believed in women's choice, and I take the attitude that I have no right to tell another person to do on this issue.

One day when I was driving, I picked up a very young girl who was quite obviously freaked out. She gave me an address downtown that I did not recognize. When I pulled up, protester's surrounded this young woman, who was rapidly growing hysterical. I jumped out and physically had to push open a path to get her to the door of the abortion clinic. I could not believe that these people were taking an already sad situation and making it much worse. They have no right to force their lifestyles on others.

The United States are supposed to be about individual choice. When we lose this, we lose everything... and abortion is one of those core issues that a few moralists have made into holy campaigns that encourage otherwise decent people to waste their lives fighting the wrong battle.

I feel sorry for everyone involved in this murder.

The following is an excellent statement from Debra Sweet, National Director of World Can't Wait

www.worldcantwait.org

George Tiller, A Hero for People Who Care About the Humanity of Women

Debra Sweet, Director, The World Can't Wait

A hero who wore a button saying “Trust Women,” was shot down and killed today, in a devastating attack on the right of women to control our own bodies. Dr. George Tiller began providing abortion care in 1973, as soon as it was legal in Kansas , and continued until yesterday. He endured, and rose above, the constant picketers of his clinic and home; the vandalism; the baseless lawsuits and political/legal trials. He survived being shot by another anti-abortion would-be assassin in 1993. He gave compassionate care to thousands of women, and mentored colleagues and medical students, and was a source of last resort for women with fetal/maternal complications in his Wichita , Kansas clinic.

George’s murder is a heavy, almost unbearable blow, and not only for his family and friends, who deserve our deep gratitude for supporting him in his life’s work.

A wonderful person by all accounts, he is not at this time replaceable as a highly skilled teacher and courageous physician who knowingly took the risks he did to do what we believed in. The anti-abortion movement, from its origins in with “abortion is murder” in the 1970’s, through the clinic-bombing 1980’s, and the murderous attacks of the 1990’s, has successfully shrunk the ranks of doctors and hospitals who are willing to risk providing abortions. They’ve poisoned the minds of a generation of women, permeating them feelings of shame over unwanted pregnancies and for having the audacity to want to control when and if they bear children.

Having been nose to nose with anti-abortion leaders in front of clinics, and sometimes between them and doctors, for decades, I know them as the active base of a deeply dangerous, Christian theocratic, and fascist movement. They believe, as Randall Terry screamed in my face in 1987, that women must be kept subservient to men. Their god is a vengeful god, they remind us, and we deserve death for not obeying him. They’ve got the scripture, memorized from both the Old Testament and the New, and the worldview to enforce that male supremacy in their homes and in their movement. They believe that this country’s laws should be based on their interpretation of their God’s law, so you, too, would have no choice in the matter. And they want to kill us; the women who aren’t subservient, and the doctors who foster our agency.

For 8 years, these groups had easy access to the levers of power in this country, right into the White House, and not just through the smug political operative, Karl Rove. The whole Bush regime, from the “Decider” who believed he was on a mission from God, to the thousands of political appointees who re-wrote government websites, rules and laws restricting abortion access, is responsible for a leap in the way government stopped women from accessing abortion. These legal and political attacks on women’s access to abortion – and birth control – changed life for millions of women. They gave the mainstream media the idea that it’s OK to quote anti-abortion organizations as a legitimate voice in the matter of what women have the legal and moral right to do with their lives.

The Rush Limbaughs, Pat Robertsons, and Ann Coulters have responsibility for Dr. Tiller’s murder too, by creating a political climate leading to his murder. 9-11 was the fault of “abortionists” according to Pat Robertson. The clever Rush comment “Tiller the Killer,” drawn straight from the constant street protesters around George’s clinic, and Coulter’s comment that previous abortion doctors were killed by a “gun used in a procedure” all fuel the climate that it’s OK to murder doctors.

But it’s not only the ravings of the right wing that are dangerous to womens’ rights.

What about the “leaders” of the Democratic Party who counsel us to find common ground with these fascists and religious fanatics? You have a president who invites an outspoken homophobe to give his inaugural prayer, citing “common ground” with this as somehow a step forward. You have a president who won’t come out in favor of gay marriage, tacitly encouraging many of his supporters to vote FOR Proposition 8 in California . You have a president who bends over backwards to give legitimacy to the anti-abortion cause, to the honesty of their leaders’ convictions.

If you watched the scene developing in May, weeks before Barack Obama’s appearance at the Notre Dame commencement, as Randall Terry and hundreds of others were getting arrested on the campus, and working themselves into a frenzy – all carefully covered by the national media – and you saw Obama give a speech that didn’t confront them for being wrong, you knew a murder like this would happen. The “pro-choice” movement, for its part, has surrendered its activism and resources almost completely to the Democratic Party and its “common ground” strategy.

This will inevitably get our abortion doctors killed, and drive others from practice. A courageous woman physician, who provides abortion care to rural, young and poor women, even if they have no money, is one of the successors of Dr. Tiller. She wrote today:

“Abortion has been legal in this country for 36 years and it is harder for a woman to access this vital medical care now than it was when I started providing abortion care 21 years ago. The combination of fewer feminist women’s health clinics, restrictive laws and the hijacking of the rhetoric surrounding abortion has made for an empty promise of “choice” for many women. Even our pro-choice President in his speech at Notre Dame said that “abortion is a heart-wrenching decision for any woman to make.”

I so strongly disagree. For the bulk of my patients it is a moral, responsible decision to make. The most common emotion expressed directly after an abortion and again at the follow up exam is one of relief. If anything, they express guilt for not feeling guilty. Why is the “pro-life” movement so intent on putting out a message to women that they should feel guilty and remorse and shame for taking control of their lives? Why do we LET them define who we are and tell us how we should think?

And then there is the issue of “common ground” between those that support and those that oppose legal abortion. I say this; until those that oppose abortion will agree with and support the notion that the best way to PREVENT unintended pregnancies in the first place (isn’t that the goal?) is to provide ALL women of childbearing age with scientifically accurate, comprehensive information about, and ready access to birth control of all types, there is no common ground. The notion that sexual relations can and will happen only between married, heterosexual couples that wish to conceive is absolutely ridiculous. Abstinence-only education results in higher STI rates, more teen pregnancies, more teen births AND more abortions. Letting religious based individuals and organizations with a totally unrealistic view of teen sexuality into our schools has been a huge mistake. It must stop.

Unfortunately, there is not, to my knowledge, a single “pro-life” organization that supports women using any method of birth control except natural family planning. And what do I call couples that rely on natural family planning? Pregnant.”

This woman gives me hope. We—everyone who cares about the humanity of women—should form a solid wall of support around her and other abortion providers.

But I am very angry, and sad, today at the utter injustice of Dr. Tiller’s death. I’ll be out on Union Square in New York City today, Monday, June 1, at 4:00 pm , joining other to speak out against this murder, and to rally more people to act.

What a barbaric and cowardly act, to gun down an unarmed man in his place of worship. If the killer turns out to be an anti abortionist then they are no different to the 9/11 cowards whose policy was "I don't agree with you and what you stand for, therefore I have the right to kill you". My heart felt condolences to all Dr Tillers family & friends.
Gus Turner
UK

The murder of Doctor George Tiller of Wichita, Kansas is a reprehensible act. Violence begets violence, and it never solves any problem. Those who oppose the law take the law into their own hands at their peril. If the court system will not prevail, divine justice should prevail to punish the murderers of Dr. Tiller. The private and, sometimes, heart-wrenching decision that a woman has to make regarding an abortion should not, repeat not, be subject to force, coercion or intimidation. She, the father, if he is around, and the doctor should decide what is the best course of action. To bring up a child in an environment of poverty or abuse is not providing a service to the child. If the future becomes brighter for the parents, then the same DNA can create the same or a vastly similar child. Nothing is lost by having an abortion now and waiting for a more adventageous future.

I want to thank Dr. Tiller for giving his life to help women.

My mother lost her life when I came into the world. When my older sister was born, she had started to show signs of mental illness.

When she was pregnant with me, she was in great distress. I was told that people advised her to try to get an abortion, but for a reasons unkown, she did not end her pregnancy.

When I was about 4 months old, she suffered a complete mental breakdown

She spent the next 16 years in a state mental hospital in Virginia.

With the advent of new medications in the 1950's, she was released. A few months later, she died a slow agonizing death of pneumonia. (I found her medical records.)

My mother had loved life. When she married my father, she and he got on the back of a mule and rode all over the countyside. I was told that she loved nature; that is, trees and general country life. She played banjo and lively piano.

She was probably very much a pro life person; not in the anti abortion sense, but more the "love of nature" sense.

I wish there had been a brave abortion doctor like Dr. tiller to help my mother.

I would like to honor Dr. Tiller and the other people who have given their life for reproductive freedom by us all taking back the term:

P R O L I F E !!!!!!

Pro all living things: All the animals on Noah's Ark for starters:
then the bugs,
the trees,
the weeds
the grass
bacteria
plankton
and of course, the penguins, because of their beautiful family values.

I am almost embarrassed to admit I am a native Kansan. I knew George Tiller. He was an honorable and decent man. Those who call him a hero are correct. His wife, his four children, and his ten grandchildren have every right to be proud of him. He was the son of a much loved physician who willingly served those in need. George knew his life was in danger, yet he continued to do the work he knew was so sorely needed. He did not let the threats stop him and he encouraged others to stand strong. He did not do it for money. Dr. Tiller was as much a hero as any killed in war, acting on behalf of our country. I hope the idea previously mentioned (of building a giant health facility in Wichita in his memory) can become a reality. Let's make it happen! Maybe that will ease the pain we all feel.

I'm Saddened by this violent senseless act by a weak and thoughtless individual sickened by the goofs and kooks who espouse hatred daily from the pulpits of our so called love connections the Christian church and many other religous organizations.

These people are only happy when they can force their outdated beliefs on other weak individuals, true hypocrites to the core. These people operate on the so called premise of human kindness and love for their fellow man, supposed peace loving loonies they are anything but that, Infact they are cold blooded killers without conscience. I oppose the death penalty but in cases like this I say hang him or her as soon as possible. Thank you "Naral" for everything you do.

My thoughts and condolences for George Tiller's family and friends. This was a result of DOMESTIC TERRORISM within the United States. This was a result of RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM within the United States. This country is a highly developed western nation and events such as this are UNACEPPTABLE. We must protest this murder and SPEAK OUT against this type of violence. Such events are a result of the religious right and their hateful ways that provoke these attacks. The leaders of the religious right want things like this to happen so they can progress their anti-separation of church and state / anti-gay rights / anti-women's rights agenda. Disgusting. Truly disgusting.

The extremists of the religious right? I view them no differently than I view the Taliban. Any and every American who cares about human rights, gay rights and women’s rights must protest these hateful bigots. They are a threat to our national security in the same way that foreign terrorists are.

I hope too that more women will run for local and national office to help change these violent patterns and protect the rights of women and women's health providers.

I share in this deep grief for the loss of an individual who risked his life on a daily basis--to save women from medical complications that could have otherwise resulted in them dying or facing permanent disability.

There must be clearer legal policies for respectful, peaceful, non-confrontational discourse on controversial topics.

I totally agree with Debra Sweet's statement above, posted by Emma Kaplan. Dr. Tiller was a hero.

His murder was an act of domestic terrorism, encouraged by terrorist organizations which have operated in this country for decades and by prominent individuals who have advocated terrorism in this country, often for decades. The previous attacks on Dr. Tiller and his clinic, as well as the legal attacks on Dr. Tiller, were products of this same domestic terrorism, which has gone unpunished for decades. The idea that the shooter acted alone is a farce. These groups know that sooner or later they will inspire someone to act, and that is their intent. Of course they deny this. This shooter was surrounded and encouraged by like-minded terrorists for many years before he killed Dr. Tiller, and Dr. Tiller's previous attacker was supported in prison by these same people.

In CHICAGO, we will be remembering Dr. Tiller and standing up for abortion rights at 4 PM today (Monday) at the State of Illinois Bldg/Thompson Ctr at Randolph & Clark in the Loop. JOIN US! "The only common ground these people want is the ground to bury us in," to quote Dr. Barry Lynd about all these Christian theocrats!

There is a law in the Universe: every action has an effect or a consequence. I can only feel compassion for what is coming to the perpetrators of this senseless act of ignorance.

It's time for the Freedom of Choice Act which says:

(a) STATEMENT OF POLICY- It is the policy of the United States that every woman has the fundamental right to choose to bear a child, to terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability, or to terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect the life or health of the woman.
(b) PROHIBITION OF INTERFERENCE- A government may not--
(1) deny or interfere with a woman's right to choose--
(A) to bear a child;
(B) to terminate a pregnancy prior to viability; or
(C) to terminate a pregnancy after viability where termination is necessary to protect the life or health of the woman; or
(2) discriminate against the exercise of the rights set forth in paragraph (1) in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information.
(c) CIVIL ACTION- An individual aggrieved by a violation of this section may obtain appropriate relief (including relief against a government) in a civil action.

Dr. Tiller was killed by someone encouraged by the rhetoric, intimidation activities and political power of the anti-choice terrorists who refer to the courageous Dr. Tiller and pro-choice people as murderers. A lot of money will be collected from them for his defense, which will encourage similar actions.

First of all my deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Tiller and may his memory be a beacon for reason and humanity. This scourge of fanatic religionists causes the most harm in this world and the bile from their leaders is the engine of death that spreads dispair and suffering among us all. This beasts should also be prosecuted for instigation.

There are thousands of us from every state who also find this act of domestic terrorism both rovolting and terrifying. Please contact us or otherwise publicize this very good idea of building a modern, state-of-the art reproductive health facility in Wichita to be named for Dr. Tiller so that we may share in the funding. This memorial deserves to be built and will help all of us channel our rage and sorrow into something useful.

I would like to send my condolences to Dr. Tiller's family. This is such an outrage. I am sorry for all of our loss.

Now is an important time to support the organizations that fight hard for the right to choice. They need your monetary support, your time, and your willingness to speak out. Now is the time to give a little extra, in whatever form you can.

Having been raised in a fundamentalist tradition (which I turned my back on at the age of 16) I am sadly not surprised that the hatred and anger of these extreme individuals repeatedly results in acts of violence. Blessings to Obama for his decision to use federal marshalls to protect clinics and targeted doctors! Unfortunately the religious right believe in an angry, vengeful god and they imitate "him" at every opportunity. There is a difference between "Christians" and "followers of Jesus" and the latter would not perpetrate violence on those who think differently. I find the assumption of one blogger that anyone who thinks differently than she must be an "atheist" ridiculously arrogant-I consider myself deeply spiritual and I believe that Dr. Tiller was performing an emotional and spiritual service to women. May his spirit be eternally blessed.

It is indeed a tragedy that in a civilized nation boasting over 200 years of living under a Bill of Rights and a Constitution that a Doctor would be murdered in cold blood for practicing his profession and his beliefs.

Dr Tiller was and is a great human being who lived his profession and his conscience and who helped numerous women maintain a manageable life.

Our hearts and prayers are with the Tillman family.

The commitments and efforts of all of us who believe in a woman's right to choose and in the doctor patient relationship to reach the best decision for each individual should now be renewed. In Dr Tillman's name let us all pledge some extra time and an extra donation towards achieveing the goals of full choice.

My deepest condolences to Dr. Tiller and his family.

We are fighting terrorists all over the world, and I hope we can do better fighting those extremists under the name of religious in out country.

To all activists, PAC members, outraged citizens; to all of us who feel enraged yet powerless:

Let's prevent this from happening again, once and for all. Protesting is useful, but not enough!

This may sound ridiculous, but how about proposed legislation that provides funding (Federal or otherwise?) to protect the lives of abortion doctors? We need money to provide real security at ab clinics and personal protection for the doctors. We have such Federal funding already -- the Witness Protection Program. How are the lives of abortion doctors in our country different than those of people under witness protection? The threat is the same!

HOW ABOUT IN THE SHORT TERM USING FUNDS FROM THE FEDERAL WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM? OR SOME SORT OF FUND RAISING NOW, WHILE PEOPLE ARE UPSET, TO PROVIDE SECURITY FOR ABORTION DOCTORS?

I am being dead serious here. I know the economy is ailing, and there is no money, blah, blah,blah....But THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT THIS CRIME FROM HAPPENING AGAIN is to protect the doctors! How many more abortion doctors are we going to sit back and watch be murdered? We need change today!!!

To anyone out there who has the know-how on getting started with this, please post!

For those of you fortunate enough never to have needed Dr. Tiller's care, let me assure you that he was a caring, courageous and dedicated man. He truly saved my family by providing professional services that few health care providers are willing and able to offer. None of the fellow patients and spouses that I met during my time in Wichita came to their decisions lightly. All of them loved their families and wanted to save them from tragedy. Some of them had never been pro-choice; all of us were desperate to do what we felt was best for us, including for the fetuses we were carrying, who would have suffered mightily had they been carried to term.
As a physician, I care for children every day, both my own and those of others. I know that the decision my husband and I made is not the right one for everyone, but I have never doubted that it was right for us.

I am eternally grateful to Dr. Tiller for the life I went on to live. I am deply saddened that others will not have the chance that I had.

As a physician, I marvel at the courage of my peers who risk their lives daily for the right of all women to determine their destiny. Through the years, I often thought of sending a note to Dr. George Tiller, thanking him for his years of service and commitment. I wanted to let him know how much he was appreciated, and how much support he had within the medical community. I am so sorry I never sent that note. I am pained by the thought. My note is now to his loving family and dear friends. He was a good man and I will help to keep his memory alive.

All feminists morn this loss today. I live in San Francisco, are there any plans to come together in our grief and to honor Dr. Tiller? Can we gather somewhere today?

I have already made a comment about the crime committed against Dr Tiller, because some right wing a-hole did not like the doctor's line of work. Well, I have another one. These right wing a-holes, and the government do NOT belong in my uterus, & they have NO business with what goes on in my uterus. Only I control what happens in my uterus, & a doctor who has been in my uterus, goes in there, & does things with my consent. And THAT is between me, & my doctor!

How very, very sad I am today. First of all my heart goes out to the Tiller family. You should be very proud of him and know how many lives he touched.

I, too had a late -term abortion when it was determined my baby was hydrocephalic and would likely die within a few days of birth. My doctor was very brave and I still credit him with "saving my life". It breaks my heart that this life -saver for me is now "outlawed". Too many "pro-lifers" have not walked in these shoes and yet feel they can legislate their religious beliefs???

I support Medical Students for Choice, a group that encourages medical students to learn abortion techniques often no longer part of their training, and hopefully will create the next generation of pro-choice doctors.

The media needs to stop referring to those who oppose all abortions across the board as being "anti-abortion" or "pro-life." What they are is "anti-women's health care," and they ought to be collectively outed each time they're referred to by using this term, or a similar one.

Murder in the name of pro-life and Christianity? So hypocritical.

I wish to thank the Dr. Tiller and his family for their sacrifices throughout the years. It takes a lot of courage and strength to continue with a course of action that has brought with it harassment and threats. My three daughters and I send our thanks to every provider and supporter of the right to choose. We are deeply saddened and concerned by the recent death of Dr. Tiller.

AngryBlackBitch said it the best--"I shall not be moved." Taking my daughter to the clinic on Wednesday to abort untimely pregnancy; I will carry Dr. Tiller's photo and the LA Times article and the courage of all of us who haved struggled to maintain our rights--thank you, ladies!
Dr. Maggie Howell
Mother, Professor, Activist, Feminist

I heard about the shooting today. As a pro lifer who is active in the movement I speak for myself & many others I know when I say that despite the way we felt about what Doctor Tiller did we would never wish such a fate to him. What happened to him is tragic..My thoughts & prayers go out to his family...

Tiller's murder presents the opportunity to raise the abortion debate to a different level in the mainstream media. The anti-abortion mantra of “life begins at conception” is not as it seems. It is explained to the public as being about the “sanctity of human life,” but is really about ensoulment. The reason why the Christian-dominated "Pro-Life" crowd defines the destruction of a zygote as murder is because it believes that, at conception, a living soul enters and indwells the zygote. I am an award-winning, nonreligious, independent scholar of the Bible and my work proves that, per scripture, the soul does not enter into the physical temple (human body) until after it is “built” and birthed into the world.

The abortion debate would drastically change if this knowledge was lifted into the mainstream. Corporate Christianity is a hypocritical big-business soaked in more blood than can ever be measured. My work here is not intended to encourage abortions, but expose the fundamentally corrupt teachings of preachers, priests, popes and other pulpit-people.

My newest book, "Selfless Spirit, Selfish Ego: The Way to Everlasting Peace for Judaism, Christianity and Islam" includes a section on abortion and was recently and unexpectedly awarded “Book of the Month for May, 2009” by ReligiousTolerance.org.

JohnCord.com

I am truly HURT that any person is reduced to such an act in an attempt to make a point. The point the murderer made is "violence in his own nature"! I wonder if he has actually killed before. How dare anyone, and there are many, pretend to support life so outstandingly take a life!! How dare they also lend so little to the already homeless children in our country! How many of these "fakers" have adopted or foster provided for the children that are so needy!! We all make decisions, some of which are less than ideal, nonetheless, we make the best that we can when faced with our presummed futures. Women should have a right to make decisions about our lives and our ability to provide and go the distance with all that we face today. My prayers go out to the family and to all women who are faced with making abortion decisions. Afterall, not everyone can use many of the medical contraceptives that are available. We are in many instances "trial & error" experiments.

I am horrified and saddened by Dr. Tiller's cold-blooded murder. But (once more) I am also ANGRY, that this could take place in the ol' U.S. of A., the "land of the free and the home of the brave". And yes, Dr. Tiller showed a bravery that many of us will never know.

We must remember never to take our freedoms for granted, to work to protect them, and to fight for those we do not have.

I am sorry to hear this news. A very religious bigot forced his religious beliefs on others.
And if I remember correctly, I heard that is what Bin Laden and his pack do...they force their religious beliefs on others. Who do they help?

The culprit should be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

My sympathies to Dr. Tiller's family and friends. Dr. Tiller probably helped far more people in his life than his murderer has ever helped or could help even IF he were to live forever.

RIP Dr. Tiller

Maybe there could be a legislation proposal named in honor of Dr. Tiller.

Thank you Emma Kaplan for posting Debra Sweet's words. That was beautiful. I am fortunate to have had several wonderful and inspiring phone conversations with Dr. Tiller many years ago when I worked with Bread & Roses Women's Health Center in Madison, WI. He was a man of couragous conviction for women everywhere. I never hesitated to call George, or to refer a patient to him, when we had a case too far along for us to treat. Of those who made the trip to KS, George would always call me to let me know they had made it, when their surgery would be done, and then how it went. A few returned, called, or sent a note to thank us for the help in getting to him, and always had the most positive praise for him and his staff, how compassionate they were, and how they went to great lengths to help the women there and were always concerned with their safety. We would discuss "the anti's" and their behavior of terrorizing women, our staffs and doctors. George carried a gun but said he did it to protect his nurses and patients first and foremost. He always feared for their safety over his. Inspite of knowing his life was always at risk from these zealots, he believed in women so strongly and wanted to make sure they always had access to a safe abortion. When women terminate a pregnancy far enough along that they require the specialized surgical services that only Dr. Tiller and a few others in this country can or will perform, they do so out of a specific medical need. These idiots, Randall Terry, Ralph Ovadahl, Eric Rudolph, and the so-called Operation Rescue groups are interestingly made up of primarily men. The few women in these groups are generally their wives who follow them meekly. I am confident in saying that they most likely also abuse their wives and children into submission. I have had encounters with all of the above mentioned idiots and their followers when I worked with the clinic, and seldom were they peaceful. They once took a patient and her husband hostage at gunpoint for several hours. They thought it was a successful and worthwhile action since it closed down our clinic for the day. The couple returned the next day, as did the rest of the people who needed our service. Our staff endured near daily bomb threats at the clinic, threats at our homes, and at the court house; where we spent many of our non-clinic hours gladly testifying against the idiots. I don't think they had jobs, considering all the time they spent trying to prevent us from doing ours. It's a good guess these folks also voted for Bush/Cheney and believe in religion-based wars and waterboarding. Terrorist minds think alike.
In the Madison area we have been very fortunate to have had a few excellent doctors committed to women's reproductive rights over the last 25 or 30 years. Soon we will be proudly opening a new clinic with doctors who will also be able to help those in the 19 to 22 week range, as did Dr. Tiller when the need arose. I commend with high regard any doctor, nurse, and clinic staff, who are willing to put their lives on the line to support and protect the legal rights of reproduction and the continued safety of theraputic abortion.
Here's many thanks to you Dr. George Tiller!!

Sincerely,
Lorilee Olmsted

I am outraged at the news of the murder of Dr. George Tiller! These people consider themselves pro-life and then turn around and kill providers who help women for reproductive services? And, others celebrate these murders of such providers as "heros". That is a very insane viewpoint. And, to commit such an act at the doctor's church of all things.

I am pro-choice and believe that a woman has a right to make decisions about her body, the right to have reproductive services, and this remain legal, available, private, and without harassment or threats. I also believe that medical staff who provide such services should be able to provide services without threat to their safetly.

I have not had this type of service needed; I hope that I never need to. If faced with a decision of terminating a pregnancy, I would absolutely dread it. I can't imagine any woman taking such a decision lightly. However, if I did need such service, I would want this to remain safe and legal. I would want the same for other women.

I have heard about the days prior to the ruling of Roe v.s. Wade about women's lives being at risk. With actions such as this occurring,
my fear is that we will be returning to the days prior to the 1973 ruling, in which women have died or are not able to have children due to illegal abortions. I don't want to go back there.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of George Tiller. Dr. Tiller has helped plenty of women with his services, potentially saving their lives.

This great and loving man saved my daughter's life. He was brave and committed in his devotion to the immense and necessary service that he provided. Each person's situation is totally individual and cannot be judged by other mortals.

My thoughts to Dr. Tiller’s family and friends for their loss. It’s sad that there are people like this out there and that they would commit murder because of their views on abortion.

It’s also sad because these clinics, doctors and staff not only perform abortions but give women the medical attention that some may not get without clinics like this.

If they call themselfs “Pro-life” they should respect all human life no matter what that human life believes in. I don’t have a problem with normal people that choose for themselves to be pro-life but when they try and force their beliefs and views on me that’s where I do have a problem.

Randall Terry and his organization should be held accountable for inciting this terrible act with their inflammatory words.Mr, Terry and his kind push unstable people into tragic actions then say they had nothing to do with it. Not only should the actual murderer be held accountable, but Mr. Terry and Operation Rescue should be charged with hate speech.

Down with Fox News which has given support to these many pathetic crazies out in TV land. I send love and prayers to Dr.Tiller's family and friends. God bless, paula g.

I had not followed the whole Dr. Tiller story that was being propagandized on Fox News etc. It was a surprise to me to learn that Dr. Tiller had been shot in both arms, and had his clinic bombed, yet he still went on helping women in face of threats to his own life. That is heroism in my book, and women will not forget it.

I hope a memorial of some kind will be built for Dr. Tiller to commemorate his courage and dedication to the rights of women. I know many will donate to it.

Blessings to Dr. Tiller's staff and to the work they do.

This is so sad. These people are heartless.

I cannot understand, it is ok to murder an innocent human being already living, but they are doing exactly what they don't want us to do. They claim we are killing innocent babies, and they turn around and kill an innocent adult.

I am disgusted with the murder of Dr Tiller. It is a difficult choice for any woman to have to terminate her pregnancy and many tears are shed before she enters that clinic. She should at least be allowed some privacy and treated with the same dignity that any other person deserves when faced with a traumatic decision. These extremists have the right to choose for themselves - nobody is forcing them to have one and by the same token they should not force their beliefs on anyone else. Murder is the opposite of 'pro LIFE'. If we don't stick together we will lose our right to choose and women will be forced to leave the country or head to a back alley. I say let these religious zealots raise all of these babies that they are willing to murder for. How many of them have adopted children? My heart and prayers are with Dr Tiller's family at this tragic time and with all of the other doctors who are brave enough to face these terrorists because they respect women's lives as well as unborn babies.

BOYCOTT FOX NEWS! THEY HELPED TO GET THIS MAN MURDERED!

I am so heartsick over Dr. Tiller's murder.

I was born into a fundamentalist family but am happy to have lived long enough to grow out of that way of thinking. I can no longer imagine thinking that I have the answers for EVERYONE, as do Randall Terry and Bill O'Reilly. Those who fancy themselves righteous yet incite others to anger and violence are so detrimental to a civilized society. AND they are culpable in this doctor's murder.

If only the fundamentalists could grasp that everyone simply does NOT believe as they do, AND that it is not required in a civilized society that we all agree on beliefs. No one is forcing fundamentalists to go against their consciences - let the rest of us live by our consciences.

I will honor Dr. Tiller's memory by my increased activism and support of women's freedom.

In Boston we sang "Standing for our doctors, we shall not be moved." My heart goes out to Dr. Tiller's family, friends, colleagues, patients, and all those women who will no longer be able to receive his skilled and compassionate care.

My daughter had a 4-year old son and planned to have another baby, hopefully a girl. She had a "late term" abortion when the sonagram showed that the baby (a girl) had a severe facial abnormality. My daughter still grieves for this child though she does not regret her decision to terminate the pregnancy. My daughter has suffered for years from depression. It would have been a catastrophe, both financially and emotionally, for her little family. She now has two more beautiful sons who would not have been possible had she carried this genetically defective infant to term. I went with her for the procedure. It was over in a few minutes. She cried when we left the doctor's office. She still prays for this baby's soul.

People need to understand that late-term abortions come about for tragic reasons, not on a whim.

Thank you, NARAL, for all your hard work and for your dedication to Dr. Tiller's memory, including the services he so bravely provided. May his name be for a blessing.

The death of Mr. Tiller is indeed a tragedy. Even though I am definitely pro-abortion, I do not find late-term abortions acceptable. I dont know why people need to wait till month 5 of their pregnancy to decide to terminate it. Even if your child has some sort of abnormality...why wait? And even if Dr. Tiller provided late-term abortions for those people with babies that would of been seriously handicapped, I am sure he did not turn down aborting perfectly healthy babies that simply were not wanted, and that to me is wrong. This belief I have however, does not warrant or JUSTIFY whatsoever, his senseless murder. I send out my condolences to his family.

This murder of Dr. Tiller must be seen for what it is: a hate crime. There are major laws on hate crimes in the books, and it must be prosecuted as such. Groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center must join forces with the Reproductive Rights movement to protect the clinics. The "Balkanization" of Progressive Movements must come to an end- this will help end the mass MEDIA anti -choice propaganda (Bill O"ReillY and his ilk).

i can not understand why men get involved in the debate of pro choice and pro life. this should be a dialogue just amoung women. men need to stay out of this debate. i am pro women. i have no right to dictate to women how they want to live. lets give women all the tools they need to live in total freedom.

I am so sorry this happened.

It is so hard to try understand people like this guy who killed Dr. Tiller.

He calls himself a Christian and he goes around emiting judgement and self-rightousness while assassonating people in the name of Christ.

May God find a way to show him the right path.

I wanted to thank the brave staff of Dr. Tiller's clinic for their help through the years to those families and specially women who found themselves in a very critical position when the pregnancy could not be taken to a happy term and they had to make the decision they made.

We support you and we thanks you and we want you to know that.

Most of these so called Christians think that these women dispose of their children as if they were trash... How can they think that making such a decisoin is ever easy? Even when your baby comes with irreversible damage or even when the baby might also bring the death of the mother during labor it is very hard to make a decision and choose who live and who doesn't.

May compassion fill their heart one day and they learn to be true Christians.

Today I confronted the woman in our small town with few - you can count- blacks who has a " Stop Obama" bumper sticker on her car. I tried to track her down at the Post Office once, got the wrong person and chickened out. This time, I was at the supermarket and was empowered with determination as to ask her " why would you be against the president of the US" which is what I asked her. She said she wasn't, we bantered about, got a little heated, talked about war, financial crisis, college affordability, jobs, debt and then I commented about Dr. Tiller's murder and she actually said " BUT he was a late term abortion dr." I nailed her on it and said how can she support killing or a human life, it then turned into killing babies and I turned it to the war and asked how can she support a president invading another country and killing, bombing in " shock and awe' innocent women and children. She shrugged it off, and said how safe we have been for the last 8 years and we haven't had a terrorist attack and people in Iraq thanked us for being there. Not if your family was one who died - would you be one of the ones to thank the US for what we have done? I am not so sure. But, that is not the issue, the issue is we need to confront these hard right wing lunatic conservatives, we need to be more determined and have a strategic plan and educate judges and create a society parellel to " The Federalist Society" that has a goal to eliminate Roe V. Wade, and create liberal colleges for students to get educated and believe in rationale politics,and our principals. Don't let the " evil" people win. Get involved and be determined, speak out, speak out, win elections and don't stop counteracted this crazy mentality that has gained speed over the last 36 years.

I stood at the Jefferson Memorial this weekend and realized that if not for men like Thomas Jefferson, we would not have a separation of church and state. There has been more violence committed over religious beliefs in the name of God than any other reason.Yes I believe in God very strongly. I do not believe I could personally have an abortion. HOWEVER! I would never pretend to have the wisdom or ability to make that judgment for another woman. This is what pro-choice is about, the freedom to choose what is best for yourself. I am pro-choice who chooses not to have an abortion. I am not anti-life who chooses to impose my choices on others.

When all the pro-lifers stand behind their convictions and go adopt all of the children in orphanages, foster homes, juvenile detention and institutional facilities then, I will be convinced that they really believe with all their heart in protecting human life at all costs. Until these institutions are empty, so are the convictions of the pro-lifers.

Jesus said, " Those who live by the sword, die by the sword." I guess those pro-lifers who think bombing and murdering others only use theology for their convenience.

This is a country based on freedom of religion, thought, and speech. Your freedom stops at my body, my property, and my civil rights.

We need also to remember the church congregation where this killing took place. It did not take place at his clinic- it was in and during a neighborhood congregation's worship hour a scared space of peace and acceptance. It occurred in the narthex during the church service and was obviously witness by church members- members who for years have worshiped with Dr Tiller. Those caring church members who responded so quickly and may have even risked their lives to get a description of the car and liscence number and actually saw the killing are also who we need to send prayers of support too! Please remember a brave and caring congregation who also lost a member.

This act is no less evil than al-Qaida's acts of violence. Forcing your beliefs on others is terrorism and not what we're supposed to be about in this Country.

I am disgusted that people can put more value on a life that is unwanted, unloved, and oblivious of what IT is...over a human being who risks their life to give a woman a safer method to sacrifice the life inside of them, because that child may be better off not being brought into this world!

Abortion doctors do not ENJOY what they do...they do what they do because they have to! If they won't do it, some jerk with a wire coat hanger will!

I am glad we have doctors who support a woman's choice, opposed to forcing them into going to a back yard butcher! If they make abortion illegal and women want to have an abortion...they will do the unthinkable! Something that was done before. More babies will be tossed in garbage cans and more women will risk their life and pay some street doctor to abort their child.

If you are too irresponsible to conceive a child, you should not have one! Anyone can have sex...having a child is a life-long responsibility. Not all of us are cut out for parenthood! How can these religeous schmucks argue that life is precious, yet justify taking an abortion doctor's life to save many more?! I say let God judge us all. And let HE without sin, cast the first stone!

This kind of despicable act can easily make it look like this great country has been plunged back into medieval times. But let us take heart from the fact that the callous act of an ignorant individual does not constitute the entire nation. There is still enough awareness around to elevate our nation into a new age of enlightenment. May peace prevail. May respect, tolerance, understanding and insight overcome the blind foolishness and cold-blooded actions of a handful of people who think and feel only in violent and murderous terms. My heart goes out to Dr. Tiller's family, colleagues, friends and patients.

My heart goes out to Dr. Tiller's family, colleagues, friends and his patients. This was a senseless act by an ignorant and violent person, or group of people. There are so many unwanted children in this world that grow up neglected and abused. It is the right of a woman to choose to whether or not to have a baby. I remain Pro-Choice!

I was saddened to hear of Dr. Tiller's murder, in church of all places. My condolences go out to Dr. Tiller's family and staff. It is my hope that this horrible tragedy sheds light on the true motives of the anti-woman, pro-birth extremists (I refuse to call these freaks pro-life!) and mobilizes those of us who value reproductive freedom to fight further efforts to control and enslave women. I also want to see members of the media who encourage this mindset, like Bill O'Reilly with his "Tiller the Killer" remarks to be held accountable for inciting this senseless violence.

In the wake of the murder of Dr. George Tiller, this article is a must read:

The Deadly Illusion of "Common Ground" on Abortion
Response to Obama"s speech at Notre Dame on common ground and abortion

By Sunsara Taylor

"When it comes to abortion, there really is only one moral question: Will women be free to determine their own lives, including whether and when they will bear children, or will women be subjugated to patriarchal male authority and forced to breed against their will?"

Read the whole article at http://www.revcom.us/a/166/ST_on_Obama-en.html

Alas, it's happened again. What a tragedy. This is just another example of religious fanaticism and the hypocrisy of the pro-life movement. This guy should rot in jail for the rest of his life. My sympathies to the family and friends of this brave man.

My deepest sympathy to Dr. Tiller's family and all his friends.
It is terribly difficult to realize there are such hate-filled people
in our society that kill doctors - and Dr. Tiller's death, of
course, wasn't the first. And Dr. Tiller had previously been
shot and seriously wounded.

The comments being made by right-wing extremists, like
Limpballs and O'Reilly are beyond the pale. Also, I wonder
how many of these people support the death penalty.
Emily Maloney
Santa Cruz California

My Mother-in Law was on the phone with one of the girls who was shot in Boston years ago, she worked for Planned Parenthood. How do people who say they are against "killing" (the unborn) kill
live people with familes! NO ONE IS PRO ABORTION it is about choice!!! Thoses who are against abortions are welcome to adopt children who are born, but have no right to preach to others and try to control other people's bodies!
Whenever I pass by protesters I tell them"protest again the IRAQ WAR where live people are being killed!"
The real sham is that most of the protestors are older men, and when have theey ever had to make a choice?
I am so saddened by this killing and all the other senseless killings by people who claim to be against "murder" what a sad irony.

It is time the pro-choice movement start referring to the so-called pro-life crowd for what it really is: Anti-woman's choices and Pre-life. 'Cause once a child is born, they care little about healthcare, support, housing, or education.

Dreadfully sad. This country is so far behind the rest of the industrialized world in this and other health and human rights.

I am saddened by the murder of Dr. Tiller. Sad also for the pain caused to his family and so many others who knew and respected him and his work

I am not pro choice, but I respect each of us who follow their consciences, in the US and the world.

I am anti-abortion, and Pro adoption, and support the many groups who support pregnant women, and follow up with adoption help, or continued follow up with the mother and baby after birth.

I believe in olove/respect for each human, every one.

Believing when life begins for a human person as I do, I pray for all envolved and hurt by this terrable murder, and for all Mothers who choose to abort, and for their children.

Ats always a time to love, never a time to hate.

God bless us all.

The heads of several anti-woman’s reproductive right and TV commentators, like O’Reilly, have made comments that have enflamed the violent rage that lead to Dr Tiller’s death. By calling the good doctor, a murder – or worse – they have contributed to this unnecessary and violent action. This is not the first time that they have tried to harm Dr. Tiller, and he the first doctor butchered in this way for favoring woman’s reproductive rights. I know that we have laws against inciting a riot, but it is less clear that we can punish those that use the same mob mentality to push one or two individuals into the taking of am innocent man’s life. Let us be clear, regardless of what they say now, they incited this action. Personally, I call it a hate crime. Countdown’s Olbermann called it terrorism. Whatever word fits best for you, it seems clear that it is inconsistent with American values and it must stop. I feel the best way to do this is to hold the flare-throwers accountable for pushing their followers actions over the top.

Calling the good doctor a murderer because you disagree with his values or saying that he desired to die seems like a felonious act to me. Since no one has held these people actable in the past, I am assuming no one will take up this honorable cause now. Although I only have heard of the doctor very recently, he seems like a quality person -someone who desires better. He spent his life helping woman overcome difficult decisions while they are scared, under great stress, and in need of some who was both a qualified professional and a well doer. These actions clearly confirm that he desires the “quality human being” label. I am not a lawyer, but an action that seems reasonable to me is to charge the flame-throwers with slander for calling this quality person a murderer. He was not. I regret that it lacks the appropriate punch, but it is at least a step toward greatly needed accountability.

If you can take this cause to a higher level of accountability (within the law), please go for it. If you cannot do for yourself, feel free to do it for me.

Thank you,

I was both shocked and saddened by the senseless murder of Dr. Tiller recently. I am amazed that they have the courage to do what they do when they know every day could be their last, yet they feel that women have the right to choose. Long ago, I had 2 abortions (not by choice), but forever will stick to the belief that women MUST have the right to make the decisions concerning their own bodies and families as they see fit.
How these "Right-to-Lifers" can justify murder of a man as "God's will" is beyond me! I am currently a post-partum doula and am in nursing school at quite an advanced age, but really want to make a difference in the rights of women of all ages to choose what is best for them.

While I'm not shocked by the cold-blooded murder of Dr. Tiller, my heart goes out to his family and I'm pained by the circumstances surrounding this senseless act of violence.
I blame our government for not taking a stronger stand against religious fanatics and extremist groups such as: "Priest for Life", "Focus on the Family", "National Right to Life Committee" and "Operation Rescue" for inciting violence against women and those who respect and support them.
The media is doing a terrible job at helping the public understand the history of women's struggle for reproductive freedom. All I heard from the media when the news broke was "Late-term abortion doctor shot" Nothing about why or what he did to help women. I guess the bottom line is we still live in an extremely sexist society where women's voices are still not heard.
Sue Amos/ Morgantown, WV

A Warrior for Women has been slain by the people who would like us to be powerless, covered in burqas, and silenced.
Dr. Tiller, thank you for confronting all the danger you had faced while fighting for women.
Your efforts were heroic, and will serve as inspiration for those us still fighting.
Thank you, Rest Well.
Sharon, Wisconsin

I am so sorry for the loss of this committed man to the human community. As many of the comments above relate, the news of his murder is mostly coded in language that casts his life's work in a bad light. That is not only unfair, it is not instructive. The problem is that the history of abortion is little understood by the general public; more needs to be said about it.

In the meantime, the ProLifers will continue to honor life from conception to birth, but beyond that, they will care little.

Please extend my sympathies to Dr. Tiller's family, both personal and professional.

S. Phipps

It is funny how often we humans like to brag about our superior intelligence and the progress we have made in the last few hundred years, yet we look back to over a thousand years ago when so-called heretics were tortured and burned at the stake for insisting on their right to live their lives without guidance from smug religious traditionalists and wonder, have we really come all that far. I think it's about time we got serious about insisting that the government put a stop to the cultural and physical vigilantism of the social extremists who march under the banner of moral superiority. It is no less a property of the separation of church and state to stop the usurpations of religions into the realm of law and rights than the interference of law into the establishment of religion. That needs to be repeated until it can no longer be ignored.

May peace and healing come to all of Dr. Tiller's survivors, and to his own spirit that was forced so violently and suddenly out of this world by another human being who had absolutely no business doing that to him.

Especially--of all things!--in the name of prolife. and in a house of worship of all places, which should be a place of refuge and safety for all who seek it there.

I identify as prolife, ever after as well as before birth, and that means *every* life. It is a desecration of fellow human beings to exempt abortion providers or anyone else from a prolife ethic.

No one deserves to be targeted with violence. And that means everything from hateful,dehumanizing speech to outright homicide.

I am sorry that people who identify as prolife have appeared on this blog and said hateful things, especialy on this difficult occasion.

The way forward in the abortion debate is the way of more peace, not more violence.

Prochoicers as well as prolifers who share the horror at such violence against clinic personnel need to find every way possible we can cooperate to:

--Heal these traumatic events.

--Prevent this from *ever* happening again--for example by addressing the reasons why and how someone with a known terrorist political ideology
and a conviction for carrying around bomb materials could possibly get ahold of a handgun!!

--And of course by learning to recognize and engage with one another as full-fledged human beings, for all our differences--

--Especially so we can cooperate on alleviating the root causes of abortion through more and better family planning, prenatal care access, greater male responsibility, structural alleviation of poverty, racism, and ablism...whatever it takes, nonviolently.

Terry,

What do your statements do to save or improve anyone's life?

You sound full of hatred and hostility and vengeance. Maybe *you* are the one who needs someone to pray for you.

The person who did this is not for freedom he and all those who follow him are bullies. This nation was build on freedom of choice and any one who interfers with that is in my opion a real bullie. as far as I am concern this is not anyone choice but mine, my family if I chose and my doctor

thank you

I'm not able to read all these messages so someone may have touched on this already but my question is... have people lost sight of why abortion needed to be legalized in the first place?

Roe vs. Wade did not "invent" abortions. They've gone on since the beginning of time. Women have always looked for a way to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Emphasis on "unwanted".

When women were dying at the hands of back-alley butchers, medical doctors realized that there is a safe, simple medical procedure that could be performed and these women did not need to die. Period.

If these bozos succeed in overturning Roe vs. Wade, abortions will not stop, but law-abiding doctors will stop performing them, and women will be forced to resort to returning to the back-alley hacks or anybody who promises them what they so desperately seek... for whatever their own private reasons. They did it before and unfortunately, they'll have to do it again - and it's SO not necessary. I really think this aspect has been forgotten - the "not going back" to the way things used to be. It really seems to me that these ignorant creeps have no idea what used to go on, how things used to be - and that's what we're trying to avoid.

I offer here the words of Rabbi Arthur Waskow of Philadelphia, a great voice for peace & tolerance:

'Murder is Murder & ABORTION IS NOT'

So another physician has been murdered for making it possible for women to actually use their constitutional right to choose an abortion.

All honor to Dr. Tiller, who joins the list of martyrs for ethical decency and human rights, killed for healing with compassion. - In his case, a religious martyr in the fullest classical sense, killed in his own church as he arrived to worship, killed for acting in accord with his religious commitments and his moral and ethical choices.

And all dishonor to those vicious attackers like Bill O'Reilly who have egged on the kind of violence that finally murdered Dr. Tiller. And who have blasphemously invoked the name of God to justify these incitements to murder.

There are two real-life cases of abortion that have shaped my own judgment on the practice, in addition to the Torah's only comment on abortion - which makes utterly clear that it it is not murder. (The Torah says that if someone causes an abortion but does no other harm to the mother, the agent owes a money recompense to the father for the loss of his potential offspring. And that's all.)

I recognize that some other religious traditions do claim it is murder, but I both disagree with their theology and think they have no right to impose it on mine, by state power or by murder.

One of these real-life cases of abortion that have shaped my views is that my father's mother had already birthed five young boys when she became pregnant again in 1914. She hoped to be able to concentrate her energy on raising those five instead of birthing more. Because abortions were illegal, she had a "back-alley" abortion - and it killed her. So she was unable to raise any of them. Her early death cast a shadow over my father's life till his own dying day.

The second is that one of my friends and teachers, a great and eminent rabbi, was the child of a mother who fled Vienna after Hitler annexed Austria. His mother was pregnant again when the family needed to leave, and they knew that the underground "railroad" to freedom was bound to be too arduous for a pregnant woman. The choices were: staying in Austria, to die together; leaving her behind, to die alone; or aborting the fetus, so that all of the family had a chance to live. She had an abortion. Today my rabbi friend says they thought then and ever since that she had given birth to the whole family.

I wish the President, when he spoke at Notre Dame, had said explicitly what these stories teach me: that women are moral beings, possessed of moral agency and responsibility in this unique situation where their own bodies are intertwined with another's; and that the lives of women would be endangered once again if abortion were criminalized again.

He chose instead to say only that the choices are difficult and that unwanted pregnancies should be minimized.

On this point, I wish he had been specific -- that the US government should subsidize comprehensive sex education and the provision of free condoms, The Pill, and other contraceptives in all American high schools, and should require health insurance companies to cover the cost of birth control and abortion.

And I wish that religious communities would begin providing comprehensive sex education as their children reach adolescence (and probably for adults as well). In the Jewish community, for example, this should be part of the preparation for bar/ bat mitzvah..

This would in fact be rooted in the ancient rabbinic tradition which defined the moment when a boy became an adult bound by the sacred commitments of mitzvot as the day when he had two pubic hairs. Then the rabbis said that instead of checking individuals, they would settle on 13 years and one day. But the point about puberty and sexual maturity was made. (Indeed, it is probably precisely because of the imperative need for ethical sexual behavior beginning with the onset of sexual maturity that the rabbis thought Jews should at that point be bound by the mitzvot.)

Unfortunately, in modern Jewish life this teaching is prudishly ignored. What rabbi have you heard ever address the new Jewish adult and the adult community about sexual ethics, as part of the public ceremony of welcoming him/ her as a bar/bat mitzvah? Time to renew this ancient teaching!

Shalom, salaam, peace -- Arthur

>

Are there any plans to actualy protect the staff and women who seek services at his clinic? That would be doing something postive in Dr. Tiller's memory.
We need to more than wish each other comments to "stay Strong" We need to put more feet on the ground, Protect those Brave Doctors,Nurses and persons seeking service.
Why not march in Washington like our older sisters did?
Let's never forget Dr. Tiller. Honor him in what we do for the women of today.

.We here in Australia have been shocked to the core by the senseless murder of Dr Tiller.

The Staff working for Dr George Tiller must be devastated at the moment, we urge them to try to continue his work and know that that would be the best memorial he could have.

He has save countless women from untold heartbreak and hardship.

To his family, we can only give our deepest regrets but would like them to know that he was loved and known worldwide. We are so sorry that they have had to suffer this obscene loss.

To all of you, our sincere condolences.

Dianne Proctor,
Former CEO of Family Planning Australia
Founding CEO of the Australian Reproductive Health Allianc

The murder in Kansas shows how insane and intolerant prolifers are. Hopefully they have undone themselves with the general public with such a disgusting act----and in a church, a holy place!

The idea that people use a magical sky captain theory of the universe to protect little babies is one of the greatest lies ever told. The reality is that this argument about abortion is not about little babies - it's about controlling women.

It is about women as property.

When you cannot be educated about sex, cannot have even discussion about condoms, refuse to allow your children public schooling, and desperately try to interrupt women's reproductive rights even to the point of violence against medical facilities, then you ignore red flags that what you're doing is deeply wrong. When you insist that an insular view with a single correct answer is the only answer, you create a needless fictional polarization in society. It makes your point, indeed, your entire perspective irrelevant.

The reality is that no one interferes when YOU choose to have your child. You have absolutely NO RIGHT to interfere with a woman who chooses not to have one. This is already an emotionally difficult decision for her and the entire conversation is entirely between her and her doctor. No one else needs to be involved here.

Dr. George Tiller was a great man. I deeply respect what he's done. Living how he's had to live, behind bullet-proof vests and behind bullet-proof shelters is so astonishingly unacceptable as to be beyond belief. PROSECUTION of the people responsible is absolutely required here - not just the shooter but every person of influence in the discussion that paved the way for this lunatic to pick up a weapon for this cause.

Dr. George Tiller is a hero to me and to my three little girls. It is visionaries like these that make our world a better place - and not just for one group but for everyone.

Peace. And CHOICE.

If the pro-life extremists choose to behave as domestic terrorists, they should be treated as such:

A 6x6 cell at Guantanamo Bay and some "harsh interrogation."

I am so shocked and disappointed to hear about the death of Dr. Tiller. I am outraged that the pro-life extremists would go to such violence. It is horrible, disgusting, and it is domestic terrorism.

My condolences go out to his family, his staff, and his friends. He helped so many women, and his mission was so important to him that he put his life in danger to do it. He was an incredible person and he helped so many women get the care and helped they needed. He made this world a better place for all women.

The pro-life groups need to realize that abortion is a difficult decision for any women. It is a decision for the women, and not them. They should be out their doing more to prevent unwanted pregnancies if they want less abortions, which is exactly what pro-choice groups try to do. And they should be caring and compassionate enough to support the women who need to make these difficult decisions.

I was one of the people on the fence. I once thought both arguments (pro-choice & pro-life) were valid and I had a hard time making up my mind. Also-to be honest-I really didn't concern myself with the issue. I'm a man that never knew someone that had an abortion--so the issue was distant to me. However, after what happened to Dr. Tiller I am disgusted with "pro-life" (I use the term loosely). I don't associate with an idealogy that uses shock and terrorism to advance their agenda. I'm not on the fence anymore.

http://www.godhatesfags.com/written/fliers/20090601_George-Tiller-Funeral-g.pdf

PLEASE stop them!

They're going to be protesting Dr.Tiller's FUNERAL. Fucking wackjobs!

Q: WWJD? --In response to Dr. Tiller's murder?

A: (BIBLICAL CLUES:) Of Judas, “that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed,” Jesus said, "GOOD WERE IT FOR THAT MAN IF HE HAD NOT BEEN BORN!”(See Mark 14:21; see also Matthew 26:24) -And of those who had crucified Him --possibly also of those who plotted (in vain) to end his ministries’ witness to the power of unselfish LOVE-- Jesus sadly concluded, “THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.” (Luke 23:34) It is most appropriate at this time to recognize, in Jesus, a life-transcending role-model for Dr. Tiller and other healers/comforters who put their lives on the line for those suffering from worldly afflictions.

Additionally, “Right-to-Life” crusaders might be wise to review in their Bibles the time-honored mystical insights (the red-inked words) of their alleged “Master.” For, although they may “mean well” as they commit themselves to “rescuing” every unborn body, no matter how unfit for life it may be, today’s anti-choice zealots would coldly withhold CHOICE from the soul awaiting (at first breath) entry into that body, as well as denying mercy to the woefully pregnant woman!

They need to ask themselves, “Would Jesus condemn that soul to an empty life of never-ending dependancy, hopelessness, injustice and pain? --Or to unbearable guilt, such as Judas clearly felt, upon beholding the full effect of his mistake in... having been born?”. As Jesus clearly knew, even at its best, TO BE BORN IS TO BE SEPARATED FROM HEAVEN’S EMBRACE AND PUT AT RISK OF IGNORANCE AND FOLLY. –Such as that exhibited by Dr. Tiller’s murderer..

So, WWJD? (IMHO) He'd straightway set them straight and send them home to their various closets to pray..

I call on all who call themselves pro-life to either (a) condemn this act of domestic terrorism or (b) admit they are simply pro-control. It's past time that the militant extremists in that movement were recognized for what they really are: reproductive fascists who use religiously-based "arguments" to defend subjugating women to embryos and, ultimately, men.

Katherine

I remember seeing a political cartoon at least 20 years ago, and never forgot it. It depicted a small child with a stomach bloated by hunger, carrying a sign saying something like "fetuses have more rights than I do".

Murdering Dr. Tiller is nothing short of terrorism. My sympathy to the suffering brought on to all who loved him, and received his care and support.

I would like to suggest a nationwide call to action: the wearing of a black arm band (or similar visual symbol)—analogous to the yellow ribbon in support of our troops or the pink ribbon for breast cancer—that will express the general outrage at the murder of Dr. Tiller regardless of whether one supports pro-choice or not.

Thank you

Abby Goldstein and Paul Shaw

To his family, his friends, and his co-workers,

We have lost a great man, who was also a doctor.
I did not know him. But I can only stand in awe of his (and your) willingness to stand up for what he belived was right, and to help women in difficult times in our lives.

What kind of cruel maniac insists that a woman must carry to 'term' a fetus that has no viable life or chance of life? Is it just to torture the mother? She already has to bury her dreams.

This is a private decision. The doctor only helps, the decision has already been made.

I weep with you.

Good Man, Rest in Peace.

I mourn the loss of this courageous and compassionate man who was a true crusader for Women's Rights. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends, staff, and family.

I wrote a song for Dr. Tiller. For us. I put it on my myspace site because i don't know how to upload it here. you can hear it at www.myspace.com/winterkendl
if anyone knows where I could put it that it could be helpful please send a link my way.
thanks,
I'm so angry that this has happened and send my condolences to those who lost a great friend, husband, and father. We lost a courageous individual and doctor.

what a loss! i have been fighting for this killing to stop for many years and will continue to do so. the work that dr. tiller and many others provide is important to so many. my heart goes out to family at home and his family that helped him in his endevor to help those many that needed his help and agreeded in his mission to help others.

While I did not know Dr. Tiller, I have to admire and deeply respect the courage he has shown in his service to women who had to make a painful decision. I am saddened by his untimely and unjust death. May God be with his family as they mourn his passing.

My heart breaks for the Tiller family. He was such a great man and did great things for many women. I would never wish such a choice on anyone, and he did NOT deserve this at all. Rest in Peace Dr. Tiller.

There are thousands of us from every state who also find this act of domestic terrorism both rovolting and terrifying. Please contact us or otherwise publicize this very good idea of building a modern, state-of-the art reproductive health facility in Wichita to be named for Dr. Tiller so that we may share in the funding. This memorial deserves to be built and will help all of us channel our rage and sorrow into something useful.