Center for Reproductive Rights Statement on Tiller Clinic Closing

Today,  the family of slain doctor George Tiller announced that they will not reopen his Kansas abortion clinic, Women’s Health Care Services, Inc.  Dr. Tiller was murdered on Sunday, May 31, in his church in Wichita.  Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, issued this statement in response:

“It is unacceptable that anti-abortion intimidation and violence has led to the closing of Dr. Tiller’s clinic. It illustrates the ongoing harassment endured by abortion providers and the resulting disservice to women across this country.  Not only have we lost a fearless defender of women’s fundamental health and rights in Dr. Tiller’s murder, but the closing of his clinic leaves an immediate and immense void in the availability of abortion.  Persistent harassment including violence, threats, and intimidation, and legal restrictions on abortion, deter new doctors from entering the field and force skilled physicians out. 

“The Center for Reproductive Rights hopes that other doctors will be brave enough to come forward and continue Dr. Tiller’s critical work of providing services to women.  We also call on supporters of abortion rights—including our elected officials—across the country to stand up and defend reproductive healthcare providers in their communities. “