Earlier today, the family of slain abortion doctor George Tiller announced that they would be not be reopening the Wichita clinic. Several organizations have sent out reactions.
Troy Newman, president of anti-abortion group Operation Rescue, celebrated the closing and announced that Operation Rescue would continue its work. Here are excerpts from his statements:
"We are thankful that Tiller's clinic will not reopen and thankful that Wichita is now abortion-free. It is our sincere prayer that threats to open another third-trimester abortion clinic in Kansas will not come to fruition so that the healing process for this state and community can begin," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman.
"This is a bittersweet moment for us at Operation Rescue.
We have worked very hard for this day, but we wish it would have come through
the peaceful, legal channels that we were pursuing. We believe we were very
close to seeing disciplinary action taken against Tiller's license that would
have closed this clinic through due process," said Newman.
Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights lamented, the closing of Tiller's clinic.
"Itis unacceptable that anti-abortion intimidation and violence has lead
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. "
The Kansas chapter of the National Organization of Women also expressed disappointment at the closing of the clinic.
While The Kansas National Organization for Women is deeplydisappointed at the announcement of the closing of Dr. Tiller's Clinic,
we respect and honor the family's decision. As always, we remain
thankful for their lifelong commitment to a woman's right to access
safe and legal abortions.
KS NOW is working with many other progressive pro-choice activists and
organizations to ensure that the services that Dr. Tiller's clinic
provided will remain available to women everywhere. Kansas NOW is
confident that another provider will step forward and pick up the torch
in continuing to provide reproductive health services in Wichita.
State Coordinator Marla Patrick stated, "While many anti-choice
organizations may claim this as a victory, no person's death at the
hands of an extremist should be considered as such. Our dedication to
safe and legal abortion services remains unwavering".
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