A Kansas Grand Jury convened on Tuesday to begin an investigation into Dr George Tiller, one of the few late-term abortion providers for women with troubled pregnancies and complicated health problems. The investigation is the result of a citizen petition circulated by anti-abortion extremist groups. Kansas is one of six states that allow citizens to petition for a grand jury to convene.
A judge swore the 15-member panel in Tuesday morning. Retired Sedgwick County District Judge Paul Buchanan, who was appointed to supervise the investigation into Dr. Tiller, instructed jurors that they have control over what they investigate, and can accept or reject suggestions on how to proceed, according to the Wichita Eagle.
This grand jury is the second grand jury created by anti-abortion extremists through petition drives in 18 months. Last year, a grand jury reviewed the death of one of Dr. Tiller’s patients, but found no evidence of any wrongdoing.
