Hi everyone,
Below is a message in response to the murder of Dr. Tiller from Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards, along with an open letter that you may sign.
I'm simply overwhelmed by all the kind and thoughtful comments honoring Dr. Tiller that we've received on our Facebook Page, which I'll make sure to pass along to his family. (If you wish, you can add your thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to use our memorial graphic above on your blogs and social networking profiles.)
Again, I cannot thank you all enough for your incredible support of Dr. Tiller and the reproductive rights community. It means so much to the Planned Parenthood staff and helps us keep going in the wake of unspeakable tragedy. Please read, sign, and send around our open letter below.
-Kendall at Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Dear friends,
I am still in disbelief about the murder of Dr. George Tiller in Kansas two days ago.
I am not alone. The outpouring of sadness and anger, from the Planned Parenthood family and beyond and from so many others around the world, has been overwhelming. It's been hard to know what to do to comfort those who are mourning, and to make some sense out of this horrific act. We've put our feelings into words, and we're hoping to use those words to bring us at least a few steps closer to the world of compassion and caring that Dr. Tiller sought, and that you and I must continue to seek. Please read our open letter, add your name, and pass it on.
An Open Letter in Response to the Murder of Dr. George Tiller
We are deeply saddened by the murder of Kansas physician George Tiller.
We have much to say.
To Dr. Tiller's family, patients, and friends, please know that our hearts are with you during this time of unimaginable loss. Dr. Tiller's courage against unbelievable odds will never be forgotten. He was a hero to those seeking help in the most desperate of situations, and we honor the compassionate care he provided to so many.
To the people of Kansas, we know your community is hurt by this tragedy, as well, and we wish you continued healing.
To those of you who rely on the doctors, nurses, and clinicians of Planned Parenthood to receive desperately needed reproductive health care, we want you to know that you can count on them to be there for you. From the people who work there and from those who support them — be assured we will keep the doors open, no matter what.
To those whose hateful rhetoric on the airwaves, in pulpits, and on the internet condemns medical practitioners, your words are not innocent. We implore you to stop.
To those medical practitioners who have chosen to work in reproductive health care, we thank you. You are needed by millions of women and their families. Despite the hateful acts of few, your work to provide vital services is appreciated by many.
To our political leaders, we ask you to recognize women's health care for what it is — a necessary part of life itself. We urge you to work with us to achieve full equality for women, which includes the fundamental right to privacy and the right to make decisions about having a family.
We, who add our names to this letter, are striving for the day when doctors can provide women's health care without threat of violence and women can enter clinics without fear of harassment.
As President Barack Obama said just weeks ago, when he spoke at the University of Notre Dame, "Each side will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction. But surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature."
And surely, we can do so without resorting to the murder of a physician on a Sunday morning in his house of worship.
Add your name
Thank you for joining me in honoring Dr. Tiller today. We are grateful for your unyielding support for women's health and reproductive rights.
Sincerely,
Cecile Richards, President
Planned Parenthood Action Fund