In July last year, in order to counter the loathsome lies that the opponents of contraception and abortion put on their websites, Hot Flash Report posted this at their blogsite.
Fox News is reporting that Dr George Tiller was a Christian and a good man. Too late - sanctimonious back-pedaling will not "right" the years of biased reporting fed by the undiluted rantings of organizations like Operation Rescue, which posted home addresses, personal details and photographs of the staff who worked at the Wichita maternal health clinic on their public website.I'm going to discuss Fetal anomalies in detail because this is the number one reason women get abortions past 24 weeks. That's why I call them Mercy Abortions. One of the largest providers of late abortions, Dr. George Tiller in Wichita KS, has been the object of harassing investigations by Kansas authorities, culminating in an unprecedented Grand Jury trial prompted by anti-abortionists. He was just recently vindicated and the Grand Jury refused to bring charges.
But, his detractors won't stop, and more harassment is anticipated. ... These doctors are extremely compassionate and committed medical professionals. I've been to both clinics and have known them personally and can attest to their credibility as both doctors and humane individuals.
Without a doubt, the number one reason for abortions past 24 weeks is the late discovery of a fetal anomaly incompatible with life. I've talked with many women who find themselves in this situation and it is always an extremely difficult and heart wrenching situation. Many women even underwent infertility treatments to become pregnant. ...
You're 28 weeks along and the OB/GYN that's been caring for you can't help you out. You see, the hospital where he practices will gladly take your money and let you give birth there, but they won't let your OB/GYN perform a Mercy Abortion on you so that you can maintain your fertility for future pregnancies and lessen the devastation on you and your family by ending the pregnancy now.
Oh no. The powers that be want you to carry that anencephalic baby for 10 more weeks, then give birth, then slowly watch it die right in front of your eyes. Now, if that's how you want to handle the situation, fine. But, if you'd like a more merciful ending to this tragic situation, a trip to Dr. Tiller or Dr. Hern might be in order. For now, that is.
You say. "This is just an isolated instance." Oh no ... this scenario is played out every day. And many of the families that this happens to are anti-abortion. But, at that moment where they are told that the pregnancy is flawed, many choose the Mercy Abortion to alleviate their suffering and the suffering of their child. Mercy Abortions are also extremely necessary in maintaining the woman's fertility so that a successful pregnancy can be possible in the future.
So, as Democrats committed to pro-choice values, let's not jump into the Rovian trap that the anti-abortion framing has given us on late abortions. They have demonized a procedure that mercifully saves women and promotes healthy families. It may be you or someone in your family that needs a Mercy Abortion in the future.
Update: JJ at unrepentant old hippie reports that the alleged murderer of Dr Tiller is a fundamentalist religious anti-choice nut who posted at Operation Rescue.