NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado Statement on Dr. George Tiller’s Assassination
For Immediate Release NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado Statement on Dr. George Tiller’s Assassination Denver (June 1) – Following the May 31, 2009, assassination of Dr. George Tiller in Wichita, KS, NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado Executive Director Emilie C. Ailts released the following statement: "On behalf of NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. George Tiller, who was assassinated in his place of worship yesterday. "Dr. Tiller was one of few doctors with the expertise necessary to provide safe, professional abortions under the most difficult of circumstances: when a woman who had wanted children was told late in her pregnancy that a severe fetal anomaly had developed or that continuing the pregnancy threatened her own life. These are very real human tragedies that Dr. Tiller and his medical staff addressed with compassion. Very few other doctors worldwide have the training to confront those circumstances with the same experience and dedication. “Dr. Tiller and his staff provided care for women from around the world who suddenly found themselves in heart-breaking circumstances. Despite being shot in both arms, having his clinic burned down, being picketed at work and at home, having to wear body armor and follow a draconian security protocol, and being investigated for violations of anti-choice restrictions – only to be acquitted just weeks ago, Dr. Tiller refused to bow to nearly 20 continuous years of harassment and intimidation. He provided the medical care that was most appropriate for each woman’s circumstances and served as a stalwart defender of a woman’s right to choose. He is a true hero and his assassination marks a great loss to his family, friends and colleagues, the women for whom he provided safe medical care and those who will be unable to receive the care they need, and the greater pro-choice family. “Dr. Tiller’s murder provides a tragic reminder that although abortion has been legal in America for more than three decades, the women who need an abortion and the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who provide these critical medical services remain under constant threat. That patients and their health care providers face these risks every day is unacceptable. That is why NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado works with elected officials, policymakers and partners to ensure that Colorado women can access safely the reproductive health care services they need and that health care professionals can provide necessary care without being subject to threats, harassment and intimidation. Dr. Tiller’s assassination presents a sad reminder of how much work still must be done to ensure all women can exercise their constitutionally protected right to choose.” NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado (NPCC) is the political leader of Colorado’s pro-choice community. NPCC has more than 30,000 supporters statewide and works to develop and sustain a constituency that uses the political process to guarantee every woman the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive health choices, including preventing unintended pregnancies, bearing healthy children and choosing legal abortion. More information is available at www.ProChoiceColorado.org. ###
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