The Murder of Dr. Tiller
On Sunday, Dr. George R. Tiller, a late-term abortion provider in Kansas, was murdered while attending church services. For years, Dr. Tiller had been threatened and harassed by anti-abortion supporters: He was shot in both arms and his clinic was bombed and vandalized.
Dr. Tiller’s murder comes a few weeks after President Obama called on Americans to have an open and honest debate on abortion. Obama said he was “shocked and outraged” by the murder. “However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence,” he said.
We often forget about the power of words. Dr. Tiller was called a “murderer” and “baby killer,” and his murder is a tragic example of how words can incite violence. While Tiller was physically and verbally attacked, not all people who are anti-choice condone violence. In fact, Operation Rescue, an anti-choice organization, has spoken out strongly against the murder of Dr. Tiller. And while people on both sides of the abortion issue feel very strongly, we can all agree that violence is never the answer.
It would be great if we—whether we’re pro- or anti-choice—could come together in support of preventing unplanned pregnancies and addressing those hard ethical questions that come up when a woman’s life is endangered by a pregnancy.
Tags: abortion
(5 votes, average: 3.6 out of 5)
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June 2, 2009 at 6:14 pm
While I’m strongly against late-term abortions the fact that this man was murdered in a supposed “sanctuary” is revolting. How will we learn to be peaceful?
June 2, 2009 at 11:01 pm
I think finding middle ground would be great. However I don’t see it happening ever. Thanks to these wonderful things called religions. Someone, somewhere will always be demanding its ban because some divine thing says its wrong. The catholic church for example will never let it fly. They’re against contraceptives and abortions. You should be married and ready for kids if you have sex. No other options. I don’t really a middle ground option there. As long as someone thinks that they can do what they want because they will be rewarded for it in the afterlife, people will continue to do terrible things top each other. It’s sad.
March 12, 2010 at 10:36 pm
its sad that we have to take someone elses life just because we don’t believe in the same thing. i mean is that what our world really havecome to…..thats just wrong. i mean he can’t help his job…he have to provide for his family as well…but i am pretty sure he didnt lead those women into his office…they went in there on their own. i mean i am against aboration but u dont see me doing anything to anyone..lets all have an open mind.