Kansas City News Blog

Troy Newman

Earlier today, the family of slain abortion doctor George Tiller announced that they would be not be reopening the Wichita clinic. Several organizations have sent out reactions.

Troy Newman, president of anti-abortion group Operation Rescue, celebrated the closing and announced that Operation Rescue would continue its work. Here are excerpts from his statements:

"We are thankful that Tiller's clinic will not reopen and thankful that Wichita is now abortion-free. It is our sincere prayer that threats to open another third-trimester abortion clinic in Kansas will not come to fruition so that the healing process for this state and community can begin," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman.

"This is a bittersweet moment for us at Operation Rescue.
We have worked very hard for this day, but we wish it would have come through
the peaceful, legal channels that we were pursuing. We believe we were very
close to seeing disciplinary action taken against Tiller's license that would
have closed this clinic through due process," said Newman.

Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights lamented, the closing of Tiller's clinic.

"It is unacceptable that anti-abortion intimidation and violence has lead to the closing of Dr. Tiller's clinic. It illustrates the ongoing harassment endured by abortion providers and the resulting disservice to women across this country. Not only have we lost a fearless defender of women's fundamental health and rights in Dr. Tiller's murder, but the closing of his clinic leaves an immediate and immense void in the availability of abortion. Persistent harassment including violence, threats, and intimidation, and legal restrictions on abortion, deter new doctors from entering the field and force skilled physicians out.

"The Center for Reproductive Rights hopes that other doctors will be brave enough to come forward and continue Dr. Tiller's critical work of providing services to women. We also call on supporters of abortion rights--including our elected officials--across the country to stand up and defend reproductive healthcare providers in their communities. "

The Kansas chapter of the National Organization of Women also expressed disappointment at the closing of the clinic.

While The Kansas National Organization for Women is deeply disappointed at the announcement of the closing of Dr. Tiller's Clinic, we respect and honor the family's decision. As always, we remain thankful for their lifelong commitment to a woman's right to access safe and legal abortions. 

KS NOW is working with many other progressive pro-choice activists and organizations to ensure that the services that Dr. Tiller's clinic provided will remain available to women everywhere. Kansas NOW is confident that another provider will step forward and pick up the torch in continuing to provide reproductive health services in Wichita. 

State Coordinator Marla Patrick stated, "While many anti-choice organizations may claim this as a victory, no person's death at the hands of an extremist should be considered as such. Our dedication to safe and legal abortion services remains unwavering".