Planned Parenthood Statement on the Five-Year Anniversary of Dr. Tiller's Murder

Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, on the Five-Year Anniversary of Dr. Tiller's Murder:

May 31 marks the five-year anniversary of the tragic murder of Dr. George Tiller, who for over 30 years courageously provided vital reproductive health care to women facing some of the most difficult medical circumstances and complex pregnancies.
 
Throughout his career, Dr. Tiller remained committed to providing compassionate care to women and their families.  Five years later, his loss is still being felt by all of us  — including the women who may need critical care when faced with a complicated pregnancy.
 
Dr. Tiller’s murder is a reminder of the intimidation and harassment that abortion providers face every day from opponents of safe and legal abortion. We all have to redouble our efforts to end the virulent and hateful rhetoric directed at abortion providers and at women who make the deeply personal, often complex decision to seek an abortion. There is no place in our society for this kind of frightening intimidation and violence.
 
On this day, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, those who knew him, and the women and families across the country who were able to turn to him for needed care. Dr. Tiller was a true hero, and his compassion, courage, and faith in women to know what’s best for them continue to be an inspiration.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.