June 9, 2009

The family of Dr. George Tiller announced today that effective immediately, Women's Health Care Services, Inc., will be permanently closed. Notice is being given today to all concerned that the Tiller family is ceasing operation of the clinic and any involvement by family members in any other similar clinic.

Dr. Tiller was shot to death May 31st. Scott Roeder has been charged with murder.

A statement released this morning said, "The Tiller family wishes to assure Dr. Tiller's past patients that the privacy of their medical histories and patient records will remain as fiercely protected now and in the future as they were during Dr. Tiller's lifetime." Attorneys for Dr. Tiller declined to further discuss plans for patient records, citing security concerns.

Colorado abortion provider and long-time Tiller colleague Dr. Warren Hern said the decision to close the clinic was "tragic." Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri said the closure means nobody is providing abortions between Kansas City and Denver.

Abortion opponents, who have condemned the act that took Tiller's life, say news of the clinic's end is bittersweet.

"We thought we were very close to closing the clinic," said David Gittrich of Kansans For Life. "It's very disappointing that it's happened in this matter. We've been working through the legal system and the courts to shut it down."

Gittrich said despite the clinic's closing, pro-life groups will likely remain in Wichita.

"We want abortion to be illegal," he said. "We have not achieved that goal yet."

Statement from Tiller Family Attorneys

Lee Thompson and Dan Monnat, attorneys for the family of Dr. George Tiller, issued the following statement today:

"The family of Dr. George Tiller announces that effective immediately, Women's Health Care Services, Inc., will be permanently closed. Notice is being given today to all concerned that the Tiller family is ceasing operation of the clinic and any involvement by family members in any other similar clinic.

We are proud of the service and courage shown by our husband and father and know that women's health care needs have been met because of his dedication and service. That is a legacy that will never die. The family will honor Dr. Tiller's memory through private charitable activities.

The Tiller family wishes to assure Dr. Tiller's past patients that the privacy of their medical histories and patient records will remain as fiercely protected now and in the future as they were during Dr. Tiller's lifetime."

There will be no more statements or comments on behalf of the family on this matter.

Statement from Kansas NOW

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”.