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What seemed to be regular Sunday morning service for churchgoers quickly turned to mayhem when a member, Dr. George Tiller, was shot dead. The doctor and his practice, which specialized in late term abortions, was targeted by several pro-life groups across the country.
Dan Monnat, TiIller’s attorney, said the doctor, 67, was shot while ushering members to their seats at Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita. His wife, Jeanne, witnessed the shooting from the choir stand.
The suspect, Scott Roeder, 51, fled the scene in a blue Ford Taurus , however, witnesses say congregation members made an effort to thwart the shooters escape. He was apprehended on Interstate 35 just a few hours later.
In 1973, Tiller began his fetal abortion practice and prided himself on extending the power of choice to women. He believed that issues surrounding abortion were socially troublesome, but strongly believed that women who’s unborn child was diagnosed with severe life hindering abnormalities or disfigurations should have the right to choose its fate.
Scrutiny, protests and violence were no strangers to Tiller throughout his practice, as he often said that he and his family were constantly harassed and threatened, according to the Huffington Post. In 1991, his clinic was the focal point of a massive protest called “Summer of Mercy,” which resulted in the arrests of several demonstrators. In addition to the anti-abortion rallies, TIller was shot in both arms by an abortion adversary in 1993 and his clinic was bombed in 1985.
As a result of the threats and violence, the doctor often traveled with bodyguards, had private security around the clock at his clinic and bullet proofed the windows at his facility, reports Fox News. Tiller’s practice called, Women’s Health Care Services, was one of three clinics in the nation to perform abortions after the 21st week of pregnancy.
“This is particularly heart-wrenching because George was shot down in his house of worship, a place of peace,” his family said in a statement. They also believe his death “is also a loss for the city of Wichita and women across America. George dedicated his life to providing women with high-quality health care despite frequent threats and violence.”
“We are shocked at this morning’s disturbing news that Mr. Tiller was gunned down,” Troy Newman, Operation Rescue’s president, said in a statement. “Operation Rescue has worked for years through peaceful, legal means, and through the proper channels to see him brought to justice. We denounce vigilantism and the cowardly act that took place this morning.”
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