RIP Dr. George Tiller
As I'm sure you've all heard by now, Dr. George Tiller, one of the few doctors performing late-term abortions in the country, was murdered while ushering at his church in Wichita, KS. I admit, I've never heard of him before this, but then I came across some personal stories which I think you all should read:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/5/31/737320/-The-George-Tiller-I-Knew
http://www.metafilter.com/82070/Pro-Life-does-not-mean-what-you-think-it-does#2585686
http://www.balloon-juice.com/?p=22002
http://www.aheartbreakingchoice.com/kansasstories.html
And then after I hear about how he survived being shot in both arms and various other attacks and death threats all throughout a career of helping women who have absolutely nowhere else to turn, and, well.....
I normally don't get affected by things like this, but now I'm just left heartbroken. D:
The compassion he showed these families and the immense courage he possessed while constantly under fire from extreme anti-abortion activists has made me realize we have lost a true American hero and patriot, and for that I am taking the time here to at least mention him, and make his story known. And I also realized that "pro-life" is a misnomer -- that movement only cares about control over women's bodies. They care a lot about life in the womb, but as Dr. Tiller's murder and some zealous activists' responses show, they don't care much about life outside it.
I never knew you, Dr. Tiller, but I have nothing but the absolute best wishes for your family and all those you helped. May you rest in peace.
ETA: A few links that should hopefully clear up any misconceptions of late-term abortions:
http://www.lifeandlibertyforwomen.org/issues/issues_partial_birth_abortions.html
http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=wq.essay&essay_id=519403
And the attorney general is dispatching U.S. Marshals to protect abortion clinics and doctors: info here. Thanks to ontd_political for all links.
ETA #2: A few more relevant links:
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2004/01/25/my_late_term_abortion/
http://mypage.direct.ca/w/writer/anti-tales.html
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/5/31/737320/-The-George-Tiller-I-Knew
http://www.metafilter.com/82070/Pro-Life-does-not-mean-what-you-think-it-does#2585686
http://www.balloon-juice.com/?p=22002
http://www.aheartbreakingchoice.com/kansasstories.html
And then after I hear about how he survived being shot in both arms and various other attacks and death threats all throughout a career of helping women who have absolutely nowhere else to turn, and, well.....
I normally don't get affected by things like this, but now I'm just left heartbroken. D:
The compassion he showed these families and the immense courage he possessed while constantly under fire from extreme anti-abortion activists has made me realize we have lost a true American hero and patriot, and for that I am taking the time here to at least mention him, and make his story known. And I also realized that "pro-life" is a misnomer -- that movement only cares about control over women's bodies. They care a lot about life in the womb, but as Dr. Tiller's murder and some zealous activists' responses show, they don't care much about life outside it.
I never knew you, Dr. Tiller, but I have nothing but the absolute best wishes for your family and all those you helped. May you rest in peace.
ETA: A few links that should hopefully clear up any misconceptions of late-term abortions:
http://www.lifeandlibertyforwomen.org/issues/issues_partial_birth_abortions.html
http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=wq.essay&essay_id=519403
And the attorney general is dispatching U.S. Marshals to protect abortion clinics and doctors: info here. Thanks to ontd_political for all links.
ETA #2: A few more relevant links:
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2004/01/25/my_late_term_abortion/
http://mypage.direct.ca/w/writer/anti-tales.html