Jeanne Shaheen: “1 year ago this week, Dr. George Tiller, a provider of critical reproductive health services, was shot to death while at…”

“1 year ago this week, Dr. George Tiller, a provider of critical reproductive health services, was shot to death while at church in Wichita, KS. The anniversary of his death serves as a solemn reminder of the violence that reproductive health professionals face today. Unfortunately, like so many of his colleagues who treat women across this country, Dr. Tiller faced years of constant harassment, intimidation and death threats. These acts of violence eventually culminated in his murder. We know, however, that Dr. Tiller's murder is not an isolated incident. A pattern of intimidation, threats and violence against reproductive health providers exists in this country and must end. Since 1993, eight clinic workers have been murdered in the United States. During that time period there have been thousands of reported acts of violence against providers of reproductive health care including bombings, arsons, death threats, kidnappings and assaults. As the Tiller murder demonstrates, we simply cannot tolerate any form of harassment and threats to health care providers and their patients.”