Remembering Dr. George Tiller (1941-2009)

May 31, 2012

"Abortion is about women’s hopes, dreams, potential, the rest of their lives. Abortion is a matter of survival for women."—George Tiller, MD

Three years ago today, Dr. George Tiller was murdered in his church in Wichita, Kansas, because he provided abortions. Dr. Tiller was one of the nation’s few providers of later abortions. For many years, anti-choice extremists targeted him, his staff, and his patients. When he was killed, we lost a gifted physician, a dear colleague, and a model of compassion and caring.

Today we share these remembrances of Dr. Tiller and his impact on patients’ lives:

• Video: Dr. Tiller talks about how he became a provider
• Video: Dr. Tiller explains why he continued his work, despite repeated harassment and violence
• Oral history: "I have more to be grateful for than I have to be resentful about."—George Tiller, MD
• Tribute: Former PRCH board chair Suzanne Poppema, MD, on Dr. Tiller's commitment to his patients
• Tribute: Former Leadership Training Academy Fellow Jennifer Kerns, MD, on Dr. Tiller’s influence on physicians, herself included, who remain dedicated to providing abortions
• Profile: A 1998 portrait of Dr. Tiller
• Video: PRCH board member Willie Parker, MD, MPH, MSc, discusses Dr. Parker's generosity and kindness on Democracy Now!