Feminists Celebrate National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers

Today, March 10th, feminists across the country celebrate the National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers. The celebration honors health care professionals who provide vital abortion services to women, despite facing harassment, intimidation, vandalism, and even violence from anti-choice extremists.

March 10th was chosen to honor these individuals in 1996 in commemoration of the death of abortion provider Dr. David Gunn, reports RH Reality Check. Dr. Gunn was murdered by anti-choice extremists in 1993. According to National Abortion Federation clinic violence statistics (PDF), the organization has documented seven murders, 17 attempted murders, 41 bombings, 175 arsons, and thousands of incidences of picketing and harassment since 1977.

Currently, Dr. George Tiller, one of the few remaining late-term abortion providers for women with serious medical conditions and troubled pregnancies, faces extreme harassment from anti-abortion extremist groups. Over the years, Dr. Tiller has weathered legal battles, bombings and arsons of his clinic, and even an assassination attempt by an Army of God adherent in 1994.

Dr. Tiller is currently the subpoenas of a Kansas grand jury for the private medical records of approximately 2,000 of his patients. This grand jury investigation is the result of a citizen petition circulated by anti-abortion extremist group Operation Rescue. Kansas is one of only six states that allow citizens to petition for a grand jury to convene. Previous investigations into Dr. Tiller’s clinic have not produced evidence of any wrong-doing.

You can help! Donate to Dr. Tiller’s legal defense today!

Media Resources: RH Reality Check 3/10/08; Feminist Daily Newswire 3/3/08; National Abortion Federation

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