Statements about the closing of the Tiller clinic

Tiller family's statement

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

"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.

Daniel E. Monnat

Attorney at Law

Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri

Peter B. Brownlie

President/CEO

Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri is committed to ensuring safe access to women’s health services throughout our service area. Women have relied on Planned Parenthood of Kansas & Mid-Missouri for their health care services for more than 70 years. We take that relationship very seriously.

We fully respect and understand the Tiller family’s decision to cease operation of Dr. Tiller’s practice. Their loss is immense – they have lost a husband, father, grandfather and hero.

Planned Parenthood’s health center in Wichita remains open and will continue to provide health care for women. Abortions are not performed at the Wichita health center. The closure of Women’s Health Care Services thus creates a significant gap in access for women and families in Kansas – no one is providing that service between Kansas City and Denver.

Planned Parenthood will not speak publicly on plans, if any, to provide comprehensive women’s health care in Wichita.

Center for Reproductive Rights

New York — Today, the family of slain doctor George Tiller announced that they will not reopen his Kansas abortion clinic, Women’s Health Care Services, Inc. Dr. Tiller was murdered on Sunday, May 31, in his church in Wichita. Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, issued this statement in response:

“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. ”