The Life and Death of Dr. George Tiller

The media has exploded with coverage of the shocking murder of Dr. George Tiller. Dr. Tiller was known as one of only three doctors in the country who would perform "late term abortions" (defined as an abortion after the 21st week of pregnancy). Reportedly, he performed an estimated 60,000 late term abortions which made him a multi-millionaire. He contributed to Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius's campaign (a fact which Governor Sebelius dutifully tried to hide).

The result of the shooting has fanned the flames of the abortion debate in America and has set off a war between media outlets (particularly Fox News and MSNBC).

The shooting of Dr. Tiller is appalling. Vigilante justice is not justified in our society because we have the due process of law which allows us to rally to change laws through the electoral process. I have always understood the pro-life movement as a peaceful movement. Those of us involved in the pro-life movement are against, what we believe to be, a "violent act" committed against an unborn human being. We hold a high view of human life which should include respecting not only unborn children but the lives and well-being of those whom we disagree. This includes those who we would deem "political enemies".

David N. O’Steen, director the National Right to Life Committee released this statement on May 31, 2009: "National Right to Life extends its sympathies to Dr. Tiller’s family over this loss of life. Further, the National Right to Life Committee unequivocally condemns any such acts of violence regardless of motivation. The pro-life movement works to protect the right to life and increase respect for human life. The unlawful use of violence is directly contrary to that goal." Indeed, everyone should express their thoughts and prayers toward the Tiller family during this time.

Going in a different direction, I'm not only offended by the murder of Dr. Tiller but am concerned about how some in the media are presenting this situation in light of the larger debate of partial-birth abortion (late term abortions).

I was watching Countdown with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC (his June 1st show). Throughout his program, Mr. Olbermann blamed personalities at Fox News and seemingly outspoken pro-life people in general for inciting violence against Dr. Tiller. He specifically mentioned Glenn Beck's name as well as Bill O'Reilly because both Mr. Beck and Mr. O'Reilly have apparently reported on their programs on the actions of Dr. Tiller and have repeatedly condemned his actions over the years.

I don't often listen to Glenn Beck or watch his show and I'm not a huge fan of Bill O'Reilly but I find the point that Mr. Olbermann was making deeply offensive. Has Mr. Beck or Mr. O'Reilly EVER advocated violence toward Dr. Tiller or any abortion doctor on their respective programs? Mr. Olbermann cited a whopping ZERO examples of them doing so. He played lots of clips of Mr. O'Reilly talking about how horrible the fact is that Dr. Tiller was killing thousands of unborn fetuses. Mr. O'Reilly was then blamed on this MSNBC show for inspiring the murder of Dr. Tiller.

Here is Mr. Olbermann's logic on this point:

1) Bill O'Reilly is deeply offended and against partial birth abortion. He repeatedly spoke out against this on his show.
2) Dr. Tiller was murdered by a right wing extremist (who belonged to an anti-government group).

Therefore, Mr. O'Reilly is responsible for inciting Dr. Tiller's death.

By this line of reasoning, any person who found Dr. Tiller's actions evil or reprehensible is apparently a co-conspirator in the death of Dr. Tiller. Especially if these people have verbally spoken out against such actions.

I personally have heard of Dr. Tiller long before his shooting. I have been deeply troubled and offended by this man's actions from the moment I heard about him. His actions were evil, they were immoral...this man ended the lives of an estimated 60,000 human beings. That is 60,000 potential United States citizens. Since the fetus is viable at this point of late term abortion and can live outside of the womb, I personally would call this infanticide.

Some in the media would argue that by writing this, I am condoning violence and wishing for people to hurt abortion doctors. I AM NOT! I am stating what I believe to be true about a person's actions. I would never and have never wished Dr. Tiller or any abortion doctor to be dead. Never! At the same time, I am offended by their actions.

With all of this, I hope that all of those in the pro-life movement would absolutely condemn violent actions against abortion doctors or pro-choice people. I pray that the movement would be peaceful and would work within the confines of the law of our government to debate and further our cause.