Today marks a sad anniversary in Kansas history. On a sunny Sunday morning a year ago today, Dr. George Tiller was killed in his church in Wichita.
The aftermath of this murder was unpredictable. In the past year, a bizarre series of events have changed much of the face of the choice movement. With this firebomb event the pro-choice and anti-choice movements have been faced with successes, setbacks, and justice.
Scott Roeder, the man who pulled the trigger, was effectively given a life sentence in a Kansas jail. While it is excellent that a man who has shown that he has no qualms about killing an abortion provider will not likely be released from jail, he has sent anti-choicers into changing paths on their uterine control campaigns. It should also demonstrate the absolute need to enforce the FACE act. Scott Roeder was seen attempting to glue locks at a clinic the day before he murdered Dr. Tiller. The FACE Act was created to stop the harassment at clinics – but it continues to this day.
Some anti’s will continue in the path of Army of God to call for more murder. However, most anti-choicers prefer to cloak their statements in terms of life and respect. While their beliefs demonstrate contrastedly different values, the veil has seemingly been lifted on much anti-choice propoganda. The outrage over the Oklahoma abortion restrictions in national mainstream press has created a consciousness among many people that anti’s do not have women’s best interests at heart. To revictimize a rape victim by forcing her to have an object placed in her body against her will shows no respect for the woman, and has demonstrated once again that anti-choice stands more for a clump of cells than an adult woman.
This year’s barrage of anti-choice legislation has been met with national media reception and an elevated public consciousness. This elevated consciousness is bringing to light just how much anti-choice legislation is truely asinine. State budget situations aside, many anti-choicers will cut schools before corporate tax breaks, and provide no support for children once they are no longer fetuses. The American public is becoming aware of the unethical tactics and moral blame game being played with women’s bodies and lives.
While we will never be able to replace Dr. Tiller, we can continue his ideas and work to carry out his ideals. Remembering to always trust women, we can support Dr. Carhart, support the Allentown, PA and Charlotte, NC clinics that are being harassed. While May 31 may always be a day of sadness, it can also be remembered as a day when we think about what we can do as a pro-choice, pro-woman movement to keep forward and keep positive.
If you’re in Wichita today, you can stop by the KS-NOW candlelight vigil in memory of Dr. tiller tonight at 8 pm in the Old Town Square.
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