Statements from Dr. Tiller’s Patients

Today, the Center for Reproductive Rights released statements from some of Dr. George Tiller’s patients in response to his murder on May 31, 2009. Dr. Tiller was one of the country’s only providers who performed abortions later in pregnancy and operated a clinic in Wichita, Kansas. The Center represented these patients in prior litigation. All of the patients’ names have been changed to protect the patients’ privacy.

Lisa Jones*, 41-year-old office worker:

“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Dr. Tiller’s death.  Like many others, my husband and I turned to Dr. Tiller when we learned our precious baby girl had many problems and would die at birth or shortly after.  Dr. Tiller was an extremely compassionate and caring man that was there for us at the most devastating time in our lives.  For the few days that I was his patient, I never felt more understanding and compassion for what we were going through than I did from him and his staff, and I’ll always remember him for that.  He was not only an excellent doctor, but a very special person for putting his life in danger on a daily basis for women like me.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his staff, friends, and patients, but first and foremost, his family.”

Sarah Coe, 39-year-old married woman from the East Coast:

”The senseless killing of Dr. Tiller has shocked and upset me on so many levels.  He was so much more than an ‘abortion provider’ to me.  When my husband and I boarded our flight to Wichita two years ago, my heart was torn into pieces.  My baby boy would likely die before I could give birth to him, or shortly after.  If he lived, he would spend his life in a hospital bed, no more than a shell of a human being.  The loving, supportive environment that Dr. Tiller created helped me get through a week too devastating for words and put my life back together after we returned home.  The world has lost a brave advocate for women’s health, both physical and emotional.”

Mary Smith, graduate student in her mid-20s from the Southwest:

“My family and I are shocked and devastated at the tragic death of a true American hero, Dr. George Tiller.  Only a truly selfless servant of God would be so willing to give up his freedom, personal privacy, and, ultimately, his safety to protect the rights of so many others.  Dr. Tiller’s compassion and support helped carry my family through the most crushing experience of our lives–losing our precious baby girl.  For his bravery in the midst of such tremendous adversity, I am forever humbly grateful.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Tiller’s family during this difficult time.”                                                                                                               ###The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global legal organization dedicated to advancing women’s reproductive health, self-determination and dignity as basic human rights.