Dr. George Tiller was shot and killed in church by an as-yet-unnamed assailant today. Dr. Tiller, frequently called "Tiller The Baby Killer" was one of only few doctors who still perform the late term abortions. According to news reports he was serving as usher for his church and his wife was in the choir. The suspect (though with so many witnesses, how one could call him just a suspect) was being brought back from Witchita to be charged. Hopefully this person will receive a speedy trial (something pretty much unheard of these days) and be put away. Abortion, even though it is undeniably murder, it still legal in this country, and what this person did, thought for the best of reasons, should be punished under our laws.
Having said this, though, I have to say Dr. Tiller reaped exactly what he sowed. Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword. The man murder countless numbers of babies and even flaunted it, and so has brought upon himself precisely the result. I am sorry that his family has to endure this loss, especially when there was so much they could have done to prevent this.
I was very disturbed that the church he attended had so little conscience that he was serving in a capacity other than just a member of their church. The family said its loss "is also a loss for the city of Wichita and women across America. George dedicated his life to providing women with high-quality health care despite frequent threats and violence." I couldn't disagree more with their characterization. As far as I'm concerned, any abortionist has violated the Hippocratic Oath and should have been prohibited from practicing medicine. That he is no longer destroying human lives is not a loss to the city, nor to women across America. That is LIFE has been ended IS a tragic loss, however.
By the way, if you've never read the oath, here it is (modern version) -- note the part that should be directly applied to both abortionists and to practitioners of euthanasia:
I SWEAR in the presence of the Almighty and before my family, my teachers and my peers that according to my ability and judgment I will keep this Oath and Stipulation.
TO RECKON all who have taught me this art equally dear to me as my parents and in the same spirit and dedication to impart a knowledge of the art of medicine to others. I will continue with diligence to keep abreast of advances in medicine. I will treat without exception all who seek my ministrations, so long as the treatment of others is not compromised thereby, and I will seek the counsel of particularly skilled physicians where indicated for the benefit of my patient.
I WILL FOLLOW that method of treatment which according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patient and abstain from whatever is harmful or mischievous. I will neither prescribe nor administer a lethal dose of medicine to any patient even if asked nor counsel any such thing nor perform the utmost respect for every human life from fertilization to natural death and reject abortion that deliberately takes a unique human life.
WITH PURITY, HOLINESS AND BENEFICENCE I will pass my life and practice my art. Except for the prudent correction of an imminent danger, I will neither treat any patient nor carry out any research on any human being without the valid informed consent of the subject or the appropriate legal protector thereof, understanding that research must have as its purpose the furtherance of the health of that individual. Into whatever patient setting I enter, I will go for the benefit of the sick and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief or corruption and further from the seduction of any patient.
WHATEVER IN CONNECTION with my professional practice or not in connection with it I may see or hear in the lives of my patients which ought not be spoken abroad, I will not divulge, reckoning that all such should be kept secret.
WHILE I CONTINUE to keep this Oath unviolated may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art and science of medicine with the blessing of the Almighty and respected by my peers and society, but should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse by my lot.
