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Abortion clinic to remain closed after murder

By Bridget Freer on Wednesday 10 June 2009

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Dr. George Tiller, Abortion clinic to remain closed

The family of Dr George Tiller, whose Kansas clinic was one of the few in the US to provide controversial late-term abortions, has decided not to reopen the clinic following his murder for fear of reprisals.

The doctor, who had been a target of anti-abortion activists for years, was shot in the face on 31 May as he attended church. Anti-abortion campaigner Scott Roeder has been arrested for the murder.

Only two other clinics in the US offer services to women wanting to abort fetuses after the 22nd week of pregnancy for reasons of fetal or maternal health. Concerns are that women's lives may be put at risk if the other two clinics cannot cope with the extra workload.

Dr Tiller's family had initially vowed to reopen the clinic after a period of mourning, but on Tuesday decided it would be 'permanently closed' and the family would withdraw from involvement with any abortion clinics.

'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,' said a spokesperson for the family to the Telegraph.

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