Programs: Abortion Provider Awards

The William K. Rashbaum, MD, and George Tiller, MD, Awards honor two physicians who provide outstanding abortion services, one for career-long service and one for a doctor early in her or his career.

On Monday, May 9, 2011, PRCH held our annual Rashbaum-Tiller Abortion Provider Awards ceremony in New York City. We honored Curtis Boyd, MD, recipient of the William K. Rashbaum, MD, Abortion Provider Award and Eleanor Drey, MD, recipient of the George Tiller, MD, Abortion Provider Award

Read more about this moving event, which featured remarks by PRCH CEO and President Jodi Magee and Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

The William K. Rashbaum, MD, Abortion Provider Award

The William K. Rashbaum, MD, Abortion Provider Award honors a physician who provides outstanding abortion services and serves as an inspirational leader for colleagues, residents, and medical students.

Winners of the William K. Rashbaum, MD, Abortion Provider Award

2011: Curtis Boyd, MD
2010: Carolyn Westhoff, MD
2009: LeRoy Carhart, MD (with video from the event)
2008: Mildred Hanson, MD
2007: George Tiller, MD
2006: Shalom Press, MD

The George Tiller, MD, Abortion Provider Award

The George Tiller, MD, Abortion Provider Award recognizes a physician early in his or her career who provides abortions while demonstrating leadership and courage, even in the face of adversity.

Winners of the George Tiller, MD, Abortion Provider Award

2011: Eleanor Drey, MD
2010: Adam Jacobs, MD

Dr. Rashbaum Remembered

William K. Rashbaum, MD, (1926-2005) was a gifted obstetrician and gynecologist, an inspirational teacher, a passionate advocate for a woman’s right to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, and a co-founder of Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health.

As a young physician, Dr. Rashbaum was regularly called upon to attend to women who had been seriously injured by illegal abortions. Following the legalization of abortion, he performed abortions in New York City and trained hundreds of medical students, residents, and doctors how to do so.

Dr. Rashbaum had a reputation for speaking his mind, but his patients knew him as a gentle and compassionate man who would hold their hands during difficult times. Dr. Rashbaum died in 2005.

Dr. Tiller Remembered

Dr. Tiller (1941-2009) was a family physician who provided abortions for more than 30 years, specializing in later procedures. He trained at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and then served as a United States naval flight surgeon in California before returning to Wichita to begin his private practice. His patients soon made it clear that providing abortion was an integral part of their health needs.

Dr. Tiller was tremendously active with reproductive rights and health organizations while providing critical services to women in need. Despite continual harassment and violence, he advocated tirelessly for the women he served. A former PRCH board member, Dr. Tiller mentored colleagues from around the country. He provided compassionate and quality care to women in difficult situations.

On May 31, 2009, Dr. Tiller was killed by an anti-abortion protestor.