Physicians Remember Lost Colleagues on National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers

New York, NY—Today marks the 14th annual National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers. Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health released the following statement from board chair Suzanne T. Poppema, MD:

“Each year on March 10, I remember fellow physicians whose careers were cut short because of anti-abortion extremism. This year I add to that list my friend and colleague, Dr. George Tiller. When Dr. Tiller was killed last May, many women spoke out about the care and support he provided them by offering abortion services. Doctors across the country reaffirmed their commitment to offer women this essential medical care.

“Why are physicians willing to risk harassment, ostracism, and violence to provide abortions? My answer is simple: we care about women and their families and we know how desperately they need this service. When I operated an abortion clinic in Seattle, my patients ran the gamut from teens who wanted to finish their education, to mothers who knew they couldn’t handle another child. Some women had to end much-wanted pregnancies that threatened their health; others knew they just weren’t ready to be mothers. Every woman I treated was grateful that we could help get her life back on track.

“If we want to ensure that abortion remains available, we must end the silence and shame around this procedure. Today, I hope that every American who has had an abortion—or knows a friend or family member who has—will take a moment to thank the women and men who provide this care.”

The National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers began in 1996 as a way to honor the memory of Dr. David Gunn, a provider shot and killed by an anti-choice extremist. Each year, reproductive rights organizations thank the courageous physicians and healthcare providers who offer abortion care to women in the United States.