The horrific tragedy in Kansas

I'm sure most of you have heard by now about the tragic murder of Dr. George Tiller yesterday in Kansas.

Planned Parenthood of New York City's official statement is below:

We at Planned Parenthood are deeply saddened by the murder of Dr. George Tiller. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and to all of us who hold Dr Tiller in such high regard and know the value of his commitment and work.

George Tiller was truly an American hero.

He provided critical reproductive health care services to women facing some of the most difficult medical circumstances. He was continually harassed by abortion opponents for much of his career - his clinic was burned down, he was previously shot in both arms by a health center protestor, and he was continually targeted for investigation only to be acquitted by a jury just a few months ago. None of this stopped George Tiller from his commitment to providing women and their families with compassionate care that others were unwilling to offer.

Several years ago, after anti-abortion protesters marched outside the same church where he was killed Sunday, Dr Tiller explained his commitment to providing abortion care for women. "Make no mistake, this battle is about self-determination by women of the direction and course of their lives and their family’s lives. Abortion is about women’s hopes and dreams. Abortion is a matter of survival for women."

We have referred patients to Dr Tiller’s practice over the years and were always deeply impressed and gratified by his care and compassion. A couple years ago, Dr. Tiller came to speak at PPNYC and shared his experiences and passion for his work with our clinical staff. He brought a deep understanding of patients needs and set the bar high for quality care, compassion and understanding. Patients that went to Dr Tiller were very often difficult cases and many had no other place to turn.

His death is an enormous loss for the patients who relied upon him, his dedicated staff, the medical community and for women and their families across America.

But our work continues, the medical providers and clinical staff at Planned Parenthood rededicate our efforts to serve the women and families of New York – we do this in Dr. Tiller’s memory.