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Abortion Doc Was Dedicated Despite Dangers

Kansas physician believed passionately in right to choose

By Jess Kilby,  Newser User

Posted Jun 1, 2009 2:45 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Dr. George Tiller persevered as one of the nation’s highest-profile abortion providers despite decades of violence against him and his clinic because he was a staunch believer in a woman’s right to choose, reports the Wichita Eagle. The Kansas physician—who was shot to death yesterday in the lobby of his church—was “passionate and compassionate” about his work, said the head of Planned Parenthood Kansas.

Tiller was a military doctor early in his career and returned to Wichita to take over his father’s practice when much of his family was killed in a 1970 plane crash. “I'd never planned to be a family physician," he said in a 1986 interview. Tiller learned through a patient that his father provided then-illegal abortions, and opened his own women’s health clinic in 1975.

A suspect detained after Dr. George Tiller was shot to death is transported yesterday from the Fred Allenbrand Justice complex.
A suspect detained after Dr. George Tiller was shot to death is transported yesterday from the Fred Allenbrand Justice complex.   (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Janet FitzGerald holds a sign during a candlelight vigil for Dr. George Tiller at a park in Lawrence, Kan., yesterday.
Janet FitzGerald holds a sign during a candlelight vigil for Dr. George Tiller at a park in Lawrence, Kan., yesterday.   (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Hundreds gather for a vigil for Dr. George Tiller at Old Town Square in Wichita, Kan., yesterday.
Hundreds gather for a vigil for Dr. George Tiller at Old Town Square in Wichita, Kan., yesterday.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Flowers are placed along a fence outside the Women's Health Care Clinic in Wichita, Kan. The clinic was owned by George Tiller who was gunned down at church yesterday.
Flowers are placed along a fence outside the Women's Health Care Clinic in Wichita, Kan. The clinic was owned by George Tiller who was gunned down at church yesterday.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Dr. George Tiller speaks to a rally at Tiller's clinic in Wichita, Kan. He was slain at his church yesterday.
Dr. George Tiller speaks to a rally at Tiller's clinic in Wichita, Kan. He was slain at his church yesterday.   (AP Photo/Larry Smith, File)
The body of Dr. George Tiller is removed from the Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kan., yesterday.
The body of Dr. George Tiller is removed from the Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kan., yesterday.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
People hold signs during a vigil for Dr. George Tiller at Old Town Square in Wichita, Kan., yesterday after he was shot and killed in a church where he was serving as an usher.
People hold signs during a vigil for Dr. George Tiller at Old Town Square in Wichita, Kan., yesterday after he was shot and killed in a church where he was serving as an usher.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
Doctor-Zaius
Jun 2, 2009 12:23 PM CDT
Roe v Wade prohibits late term abortions except where the health of the mother is at stake. Put down the right to life propaganda and read a medical book.
Doctor-Zaius
Jun 2, 2009 12:21 PM CDT
Look up "Hydrocephalus" Imagine your best friend is pregnant and in the 9th month. She takes a routine test and finds out her baby now has a head the size of a basketball. Trying to give birth vaginally would kill her and the damage to the baby's brain is so severe that taking it out of the womb kills it. What do you do? Keep in mind that the above reason is the only reason late term abortions are performed. Roe v. Wade prohibits late term abortion except where the health of the mother is concerned.
JonmarkP
Jun 2, 2009 7:28 AM CDT
It would be great if you Forced Birth fans would quit making up stories about the murder of viable babies you have "witnessed." You're lying to make a point, and it's obvious to any sentient adult that you are lying. That's sick - it really is.

Bill O'Reilly shares the blame for Tiller's death
Salon

US • Health

 
abortion rights • Wichita • doctor • shooting • anti-abortion activists • George Tiller

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