Physicians Praise Dr. Carhart, Denounce Anti-Abortion Protests

08/27/2009

“Dr. Carhart’s commitment to giving his patients safe, compassionate care is a mark of his courage and conviction. I wish he and his staff could do their work in peace.”

New York, NY—Three months after abortion provider George Tiller, MD, was murdered, a series of anti-abortion protests are planned in Omaha, NE, targeting Dr. Tiller’s friend and colleague LeRoy Carhart, MD. Dr. Carhart provides abortions and birth control through his clinic, the Abortion and Contraception Clinic of Nebraska. Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health released the following statement from board chair Suzanne T. Poppema, MD, in response to the planned protests:

“Dr. Carhart has been a friend and colleague of mine for many years. He is a hero. Despite years of intimidation and harassment, and the murder of his friend George Tiller, Dr. Carhart remains committed to providing women with safe abortion services. He has twice defended women’s right to abortion in lawsuits that went all the way to the Supreme Court. As one of the most vocal and visible providers in the United States, Dr. Carhart and his clinic have now become a focus of anti-abortion activity. These protestors do not represent America.

“Like most providers, Dr. Carhart is motivated by his patients’ need. One in three women in the United States will have an abortion by age 45, and almost all women—98%—will use contraception at some point in their lives. As a family physician, I know just how vital abortion and birth control are for women to remain healthy and productive members of society. We should trust women to know what is best for their lives.

“Dr. Carhart’s commitment to giving his patients safe, compassionate care is a mark of his courage and conviction. I wish he and his staff could do their work in peace. I am speaking out today on behalf of my physician colleagues across the nation to honor and thank Dr. Carhart for his bravery.”

Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health has launched a Facebook page showing support for Dr. Carhart, which includes video of Dr. Poppema reading this statement.

Doctors with relevant expertise are available to comment.