Women and Politics

This post was submitted by Julia Burke, one of WCF’s Summer 2009 Politics and Education Fellows.

Following the tragic murder of Dr. George Tiller less than two weeks ago, the debate over abortion – specifically the late-term abortions that Dr. Tiller provided – has reignited across the country. Earlier this week, we posted this article on our website. Writer Connie Schultz summarizes a few of the main arguments that have arisen since the murder and provides her perspective on the debate over government regulation of abortion – trust women. I was especially glad to see her apply this response to Ross Douthat’s June 8th article in the New York Times, “Not All Abortions are Equal.” Douthat argues that by returning the debate over abortion technicalities to the “democratic process,” we as a nation will somehow avert these “inflamed” cultural debates, which he clearly sees as unnecessary.

What Douthat fails to recognize is there is not and never will be a consensus within the abortion debate, especially with the many exceptional cases in which abortions are necessary. When this level of discord exists in a populace, how can a government decision possibly address all parties equally? Additionally, what is a “democratic process” without the input of public debate? (answer: undemocratic.)

In terms of democracy and government involvement with abortion, the only clear answer is that choice is a necessity for all women and should be guaranteed by the government. At WCF, we believe in choice for women, and are grateful to provide pro-choice women candidates the chance to bring their perspective to whichever office they seek.

Dr. George Tiller, an abortion provider in Kansas, was shot and killed yesterday as he entered his church. WCF extends our deepest sympathy to his family in this terrible and shocking time. No words will be able to comfort his wife, four children, and ten grandchildren, but we will keep them in our minds and hearts. His family released this statement:

“Today we mourn the loss of our husband, father and grandfather. Today’s event is an unspeakable tragedy for all of us and for George’s friends and patients. This is particularly heart wrenching because George was shot down in his house of worship, a place of peace.

We would like to express the family’s thanks for the many messages of sympathy from our friends and from all across the nation. We also want to thank the law enforcement officers who are investigating this crime.

Our loss is also a loss for the City of Wichita and women across America. George dedicated his life to providing women with high-quality heath care despite frequent threats and violence. We ask that he be remembered as a good husband, father and grandfather and a dedicated servant on behalf of the rights of women everywhere.”

Dr. Tiller had been a victim of violence and bombings throughout his career, being one of the only abortion providers to perform late-term abortions. He was shot in both arms by an abortion opponent in 1993, and his clinic was bombed in 1985. He often had to travel with a bodyguard.

In reaction to this terrible act of violence, President Obama released this statement:

“I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services this morning. However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence.”

Christina Page on Huffington Post reminds us that the murder of Dr. Tiller is not an isolated incident.

And so the execution of Tiller, 67, is not only tragic but ominous. He was born into an era when being an abortion provider meant saving women’s lives. And the cold-blooded murder in church and in front of his wife of this stalwart defender of women rights and beloved physician, comes as a message for others, as well as tragic deja vu.

If you would like to send your condolences to Dr. Tiller’s family, please visit Feminist Majority’s page.

A candlelight vigil will be held tonight outside the White House to honor Dr. Tiller and all that he has done providing safe, legal abortion for thousands of women.

Dr. Tiller was a friend and supporter of WCF, and will be deeply missed by us as well as all women’s rights advocates around the country. We hope that such a terrible tragedy will not be repeated as our country struggles to come to grips with the debate over reproductive justice.