George Tiller, MD, Discusses His Decision to Provide Abortions in Newly Released Video Clips

On the Eve of Scott Roeder’s Trial, Interview Footage Reveals Dr. Tiller’s Commitment to Provide Abortions Despite Personal Risks

New York, NY—In two never-before-seen clips from the 2003 documentary Voices of Choice, produced by Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, George Tiller, MD, explains why he became an abortion provider and why he remains in the field despite persistent harassment. Dr. Tiller was murdered on May 31, 2009; the trial of his accused killer will begin this month.

In the first video clip, entitled “I’m a Woman-Educated Physician,” Dr. Tiller recalls learning that his father provided abortions to a number of women through his family practice in Kansas prior to Roe v. Wade. From these women, and his own experiences as a provider, Dr. Tiller learned that “Abortion is a matter of survival for women.”

In the second video clip, “Abortion Services Are a Heart Issue,” Dr. Tiller speaks directly to physicians who are thinking of providing abortions. He talks candidly about the risks of being an abortion provider, but also tells doctors: “You will make a difference in women’s lives.”

To commemorate the 37th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health is distributing these clips of Dr. Tiller through YouTube. More information about Dr. Tiller is available on our website.

For additional information about these videos, or to speak with physicians who knew and worked with Dr. Tiller, contact Amanda Davis at amanda@prch.org or 646-649-9927. Both videos are copyrighted by Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health. Additional clips and transcripts from Voices of Choice are available here.