Statement of Lauren B. Simonds, M.S.W., Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, on the Assassination of Kansas Abortion Provider Dr. George Tiller
Lauren B. Simonds, M.S.W., executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, issued the following statement upon news that Dr. George Tiller, the embattled late-term abortion provider in Wichita, Kansas, was shot to death at his church this morning. “Dr. Tiller’s murder is shocking and gut-wrenching news; our hearts go out to his family during this devastating time,” Simonds said. “Having previously worked in family planning clinics, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Tiller on several occasions. Despite the constant threats, the serious injuries, the malicious protesters, the vandalism to his clinic, and the relentless political and legal attacks, Dr. Tiller refused to retreat and continued to provide women’s health care,” Simonds added. “He was truly a brave man, and we are deeply saddened by his death.” “This tragedy is unnerving not only for everyone who provides reproductive health care, but for the millions of women who need these services,” Simonds added. “This act of terror is a signal that the reproductive rights movement needs to stand strong and resilient against violence targeted at women’s health care workers.”
NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the leading grassroots pro-choice advocacy organization in Washington State. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington works to protect every woman’s right to access the full range of reproductive health options, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America. ###
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