South Wind Women’s Center poised to open

South Wind Women’s Center is taking appointments and will open later this week, Trust Women founder Julie Burkhart said Monday.

The center will open in the former clinic of George Tiller, an abortion provider killed May 31, 2009, at his Wichita church.

Burkhart was hesitant to give a firm opening day, saying she still is working through a few last-minute details. But she said the clinic already had taken some appointments.

The Eagle reported in January that South Wind would offer abortions up to 14 weeks. The center will offer comprehensive women’s health care, Burkhart has stressed, and not just abortions.

Kansans for Life tried unsuccessfully to get the city to rezone the clinic’s building.

Protesters have been at the clinic sporadically, Burkhart said.

Three doctors – two OB/GYNs and a family practice physician – will work at the clinic. The clinic on East Kellogg near Oliver will have round-the-clock surveillance and security during operating hours.

The Eagle interviewed one of the OB/GYNs last month. That doctor said that while she is concerned about her safety, she felt called to help women seeking abortion care.

Meanwhile, Burkhart is scheduled to be in court Thursday. She is seeking a permanent protection from stalking order against Wichita pastor Mark Holick, whom she has accused of threatening her.

This story was originally published April 1, 2013 at 8:32 PM with the headline "South Wind Women’s Center poised to open."