The family of Dr George Tiller announced yesterday that the Women’s Health Care Services clinic in Wichita, Kansas will be permanently closed, effective immediately. Dr. Tiller, who was medical director of the clinic, was assassinated May 31st at his church. He was one of the few late abortion providers in the country. His colleague, Dr. Leroy Carhart, said he is “currently exploring every option to be able to continue to make second- and early, medically indicated third-term abortions available,” reported the Los Angeles Times.
In a statement, the Tiller family said, “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.” Despite the closure of the clinic, the Tiller family also wished “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.”
The Department of Justice (DOJ) opened an investigation of possible federal crimes associated with the murder of Dr. Tiller last week. The federal government also convened a meeting of the National Task Force on Violence Against Reproductive Health Care Providers in the days following the murder and Attorney General Eric Holder deployed US Marshals to protect highly threatened clinics and staff. Dr. Tiller’s alleged murderer, Scott Roeder, was charged with first degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault and awaits a preliminary hearing on June 16th.
