I was shocked and saddened Sunday to hear the news about Dr. George Tiller being shot and killed inside of his church. Dr. Tiller was one of only a few doctors brave enough and caring enough to provide abortion services to women who had nowhere else to turn.
I have spoken with numerous women over the years who had to travel to his clinic in Kansas, either because they had passed the gestational limit in their own state or because they were unable to find a doctor or hospital to help them in their own state. These women were devastated and desperate for help. They had gotten the news about their unborn baby that no parent ever wants to hear, "Your baby is very sick." None of these women took their circumstance lightly or made the decision to terminate flippantly. They struggled with their decision, sought out second and third medical opinions, consulted with their clergy, and eventually made the decision they felt was best for THEIR family.
For some women that meant traveling hundreds of miles from home, leaving their living children in the care of other family members, and putting all of their faith in one man--Dr. Tiller.
Everything I've heard about Dr. Tiller was that he was a savior, a beacon of light, a compassionate, kind, and understanding soul who knew just what each of these families were struggling to deal with and what they needed from him. He didn't just provide medical services, he provided emotional support, counseling, and rituals to help the families find closure.
He was a tireless advocate for women, and the world will be worse off without him.
