May 31, 2009 4:28 PM
George Tiller killed, pro-life community condems killing
Abortion doctor George Tiller is killed; suspect in custody Tiller, who performed late-term abortions, already had been a victim of violence. As some anti-abortion websites hail the doctor's death, anti-abortion leaders decry the shooting.
By Robin Abcarian
2:11 PM PDT, May 31, 2009Dr. George Tiller, one of the few American physicians who performed late-term abortions, was shot to death in the lobby of his church today in Wichita, Kan., according to his attorneys.
A suspect was in custody, but authorities did not release any other information.
Tiller, 67, was a lightning rod in the struggle against legalized abortion for years.
He had previously been the victim of violence. In 1993, he was shot in both arms by an abortion protester as he drove away from his clinic. In 1986, his Women's Health Services clinic was severely damaged in a bomb blast. In 1991, the clinic was blockaded for six weeks by anti-abortion protesters.
Read entire article at Los Angeles Times.
This is terrible news. Sure to be used to paint millions of peaceful pro-lifers as rabid hate-mongers.
*sigh*
Prolife organizations were swift in condemning the act.
Susan B. Anthony List - a pro-life political group named for the famous feminist (see Pro-Life Feminists and Liberals - Can Obama Hear Their Voices Too?) who was adamantly opposed to abortion::
Susan B. Anthony List Statement on the Death of George TillerWashington, D.C. - Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following statement in response to the death of abortionist George Tiller as the result of a morning attack by an unidentified gunman today:
"The Susan B. Anthony List condemns this anti-life act in the strongest of terms. The heart of the pro-life movement is one founded in love. Without this driving powerful center no justice can possibly be achieved. Authentic progress in women's rights has always encompassed the protection of human rights of every person across the board. The rights of one human being can never be honored by diminishing or ignoring the rights of another. This week as we gather for our annual June Tea event, themed Love Lets Live, we will lift up George Tiller's loved ones in prayer."
Family Research Council: FRC Condemns the Murder of George Tiller May 31, 2009Washington, D.C. - News reports today have announced that Kansas late-term abortionist George Tiller was shot and murdered this morning as he entered church.
Tony Perkins, President of Family Research Council, had this to say:
"We are stunned at today's news. As Christians we pray and look toward the end of all violence and for the saving of souls, not the taking of human life. George Tiller was a man who we publicly sought to stop through legal and peaceful means. We strongly condemn the actions taken today by this vigilante killer and we pray for the Tiller family and for the nation that we might once again be a nation that values all human, both born and unborn."
NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE CONDEMNS THE KILLING OF DR. GEORGE TILLER WASHINGTON - The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the nation's largest pro-life group, today condemned the killing of Dr. George Tiller. The following statement may be attributed to NRLC Executive Director, David N. O'Steen, Ph.D.: National Right to Life extends its sympathies to Dr. Tiller's family over this loss of life. Further, the National Right to Life Committee unequivocally condemns any such acts of violence regardless of motivation. The pro-life movement works to protect the right to life and increase respect for human life. The unlawful use of violence is directly contrary to that goal. The National Right to Life Committee has always been involved in peaceful, legal activities to protect human lives threatened by abortion, infanticide and euthanasia. We always have and will continue to oppose any form of violence to fight the violence of abortion. NRLC has had a policy of forbidding violence or illegal activity by its staff, directors, officers, affiliated state organizations and chapters. NRLC's sole purpose is to protect innocent human life. NRLC will continue to work through educational and legislative activities to ensure the right to life for unborn children, people with disabilities and older people. NRLC will continue to work for peaceful solutions to aid pregnant women and their unborn children. These solutions involve helping women and their children and do not involve violence against anyone.
A.L.L. STATEMENT ON GEORGE TILLER KILLINGWashington, DC (31 May 2009) - The following is a statement from Shaun Kenney, executive director of American Life League, on the killing of abortionist George Tiller.
"Leaders within the pro-life movement often discuss justice in connection with our mission to end the tragedy of abortion. Today, Dr. George Tiller's life ended in an act defying those principles.
With genuine sorrow, we reflect on today's events in prayer. Justice for all human beings includes the lives of those with whom we fundamentally disagree as well as the victims of abortion. We firmly hope the perpetrators of this act are apprehended, that the facts be made known, and that justice according to the law is preserved and dispensed.
Today's actions were tragic, and serve as another reminder that all human life is sacred. Pro-lifers by our nature and commitment to human rights reject violence as a means of resistance. Our thoughts and prayers indeed extend to the Tiller family and the community at Reformation Lutheran Church.
Posted in Current Affairs, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink
Comments
I was so surprised to see this article.
It is sad...and wrong. What he did was wrong, but the sin of murdering him is as much a sin.
And I totally agree that it will be used as a tool to paint the whole anti-abortion movement as filled with scary crazies...
A mess to be sure.
Posted by: sandy | May 31, 2009 6:12 PM
It's sad that the accused man saw fit to use the same methods he so obviously despised.
Yes, the liberals will take the opportunity to highlight this action as one from the "hateful right wingers", unless the culprit is a post-abortive man who is upset about a lost child. How will the spin go then?
Posted by: kelly | May 31, 2009 7:48 PM
I am sickened by this terrible act of violence. For sure the pro-abortion people will use this against the rest of us peaceful pro-life people. Seems like every week there is new bad, bad news. This is surely an escalation of terrible tragedies. As heinous as the abortions he performed were, he still deserves our prayers for his soul out of true Christian charity. Julie
Posted by: Julie | May 31, 2009 7:51 PM
My God. I'm in shock. I know I should be horribly shocked by every murder, but this feels worse because it's someone I read about in the news all the time. It's like finding that a neighbor you didn't really liked was killed; despite your differences it's horrible and it hits close to home.
I just took a moment to pray for his soul, for his family (I imagine they are terribly angry; I know I would be!), and for the person who did this, since something is obviously wrong there.
Posted by: Michelle Potter | May 31, 2009 9:54 PM
A terrible act - all the more terrible because he was deprived of the chance to repent. I pray that justice is done in the prosecution of this crime, and that God, in His infinite mercy, provided George Tiller the grace to come to Him in the final seconds between this life and eternity.
Posted by: Anne | May 31, 2009 11:48 PM
