PLANNED PARENTHOOD MOURNS DR. GEORGE TILLER

The entire Planned Parenthood family is deeply saddened by the murder of Dr. George Tiller. He was a respected, loved member of our community and his loss is felt by all of us.

Our thoughts and prayers to his family and those close to him who are suffering a personal tragedy. "Dr. George Tiller was committed to providing women vital health care in the most adverse conditions. He was a compassionate doctor whose dedication and courage was unsurpassed," said Elaine Rose, CEO, Planned Parenthood VOTES! Washington. "This is a tragedy for his family and those close to him - and also for our nation."

Dr. Tiller was the epitome of a high quality medical care provider underscored by deep compassion for his patients. He provided critical reproductive health care services, including abortion services to women, while facing some of the most difficult medical circumstances. He was continually harassed by abortion opponents for much of his career - his clinic was burned down, he was shot by a health center protestor and seriously injured, and he was recently targeted for investigation only to be acquitted by a jury just a few months ago. None of this violence and intimidation stopped George Tiller from his commitment to providing women and their families with compassionate health care that others were unwilling to offer. His death is an enormous loss for his family, the patients who relied on him, his dedicated staff, the medical community, and for women and their families across America.

On Monday, June 1st Planned Parenthood Votes! Washington, along with our community partners, organized a vigil to honor Dr. Tiller’s legacy of courage and compassion. We’d like to thank all who attended and participated.