[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 87 (Thursday, June 11, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONDEMNING THE MURDER OF DR. GEORGE TILLER

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
resolution Condemning the Murder of Dr. George Tiller (H. Res. 505) and 
with deepest sympathy for the loved ones of Dr. Tiller.
  On May 31, 2009, an assassination took place in Kansas. A physician 
was murdered in an act of terrorism in his church. This act of anti-
abortion vigilantism inspires fear and terror. The murdered doctor had 
previously been shot and the clinic in which he worked had been 
previously bombed.
  This resolution, of which I am an original cosponsor, expresses our 
sympathy for the family and loved ones of Dr. George Tiller and 
declares that violence should never be recourse for a difference in 
beliefs. In honor of the memory of Dr. Tiller we must work harder than 
ever to promote tolerance and non-violence.
  Abortion in this nation is a legal health care procedure. I support a 
woman's right to make her own health care decisions and the work of 
health care providers to meet women's health care needs. What America 
witnessed with Dr. Tiller's death was a Taliban-like tactic to prevent 
abortions by murdering a doctor. It is terrorism and I urge the 
administration to extend protection to women's clinics all across our 
country.
  I support comprehensive sex education, evidence-based science, full 
access to family planning and reproductive health care for all women, 
and counseling to ensure women of all ages have the best information to 
make good choices about when they decide to have children. This is how 
we reduce abortions. This is how we empower individuals to prevent the 
need for abortions.
  Safe, comprehensive reproductive and family planning services should 
be accessible to all Americans and providers, because it is essential 
for the health and well-being of women and families. I will continue to 
work with President Obama in the 111th Congress to keep women's health 
as a priority.
  My condolences go out to Dr. Tiller's family and loved ones. I urge 
my colleagues to support this resolution and join me in condemning the 
murder of Dr. Tiller.

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