Justice Served in Tiller Verdict
(PRESS RELEASE) This afternoon, a Kansas jury convicted abortion opponent Scott Roeder of first-degree murder and two accounts of assault in the shooting death of abortion provider Dr. George Tiller. Dr. Tiller, one the few doctors who provide abortion later in pregnancy, was murdered on May 31 entering his church in Wichita, Kansas. He was the target of anti-choice movement for over two decades. Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, issued this statement in response:“Today, justice was served for Dr. Tiller, his family and abortion providers who live in fear of physical attacks, harassment and intimidation every day. The jury swiftly and unanimously convicted Mr. Roeder, rejecting his defense for cold-blooded murder. Dr. Tiller’s shooting was a calculated crime by Mr. Roeder’s own admission, and that is the definition of premeditated murder. “We now strongly urge the U.S. Department of Justice to follow-through on its announcement to investigate Dr. Tiller’s murder to determine whether Roeder planned the shooting with anyone else. “As our investigative research last summer found, anti-choice forces have targeted abortion providers for decades – with appalling physical attacks, threats and intimidation – far too often with impunity. Yet abortion is a legal medical service, a fundamental part of healthcare for women and a core constitutional right. It was critical that this trial show that the lives of doctors who perform necessary, legal services will be protected by the full force of the law.”