6-03-09, 9:44 am

Original source: Planned Parenthood

We are deeply saddened by the murder of Kansas physician George Tiller.

We have much to say.

To Dr. Tiller's family, patients, and friends, please know that our hearts are with you during this time of unimaginable loss. Dr. Tiller's courage against unbelievable odds will never be forgotten. He was a hero to those seeking help in the most desperate of situations, and we honor the compassionate care he provided to so many.

To the people of Kansas, we know your community is hurt by this tragedy, as well, and we wish you continued healing.

To those of you who rely on the doctors, nurses, and clinicians of Planned Parenthood to receive desperately needed reproductive health care, we want you to know that you can count on them to be there for you. From the people who work there and from those who support them — be assured we will keep the doors open, no matter what.

To those whose hateful rhetoric on the airwaves, in pulpits, and on the internet condemns medical practitioners, your words are not innocent. We implore you to stop.

To those medical practitioners who have chosen to work in reproductive health care, we thank you. You are needed by millions of women and their families. Despite the hateful acts of few, your work to provide vital services is appreciated by many.

To our political leaders, we ask you to recognize women's health care for what it is — a necessary part of life itself. We urge you to work with us to achieve full equality for women, which includes the fundamental right to privacy and the right to make decisions about having a family.

We, who add our names to this letter, are striving for the day when doctors can provide women's health care without threat of violence and women can enter clinics without fear of harassment.

As President Barack Obama said just weeks ago, when he spoke at the University of Notre Dame, 'Each side will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction. But surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature.'

And surely, we can do so without resorting to the murder of a physician on a Sunday morning in his house of worship.