Abortion Providers George Tiller, MD, and William K. Rashbaum, MD, Remembered

Doctors Sign “Abortion Provider’s Declaration of Rights” at Awards Ceremony

New York, NY—Two abortion providers were honored last night at a ceremony in New York City: one for a lifelong commitment to abortion services, the other for the courage to begin a medical career that includes abortion. Held one week before the first anniversary of the murder of George Tiller, MD—one of the nation’s best-known abortion providers—this annual event honors physicians who endure harassment and stigma to offer women complete health care. To honor Dr. Tiller, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health has introduced a new award in his name.

“Providing abortion services can be one of the most meaningful and rewarding aspects of a physician’s career, but the stigma around this medical procedure puts doctors at risk,” says PRCH board chair Suzanne Poppema, MD. “While Dr. Tiller’s murder is an extreme example, both of the doctors we honor this year have faced harassment in their professional lives. Abortion is one part of women’s overall health—just like childbirth, miscarriage, and menopause. At Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, we believe abortion providers should be honored—not targeted for violence.”

In recognition of the unique challenges abortion providers face, PRCH has launched the Abortion Provider’s Declaration of Rights. The declaration outlines rights all doctors should enjoy—whether or not they provide abortion services—such as the right to live without violence and the right to give patients complete and accurate information about a medical procedure. Attendees at the awards ceremony were the first to sign the declaration of rights, which can be viewed and signed online.

Carolyn Westhoff, MD, was honored yesterday with the 2010 William K. Rashbaum, MD, Abortion Provider Award, given to an abortion provider who serves as an inspirational leader for colleagues, residents, and medical students. In her 24 years at Columbia University, Dr. Westhoff has expanded the hospital’s minimal abortion services into a robust program of patient care, training, and research. Dr. Westhoff helped increase abortion access nationwide as one of the lead investigators who brought mifepristone to the United States. She defended women’s access to abortion as a plaintiff in the case against the federal ban on so-called “partial-birth” abortion.

Adam Jacobs, MD, received the 2010 George Tiller, MD, Abortion Provider Award, which recognizes a physician early in his or her career who provides abortions while demonstrating leadership and courage. As an assistant professor at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, Dr. Jacobs has developed a formal family planning training program for residents in obstetrics and gynecology. In the last five years, he has trained more than 60 residents, fellows, and attendings in first and second trimester abortion techniques. Because of his decision to provide abortions, Dr. Jacobs has endured harassment and opposition from anti-choice protestors, government officials, and fellow staff members.

More information about Drs. Rashbaum, Tiller, Westhoff, and Jacobs is available here.

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