For over three decades, a divisive abortion debate has raged in our country. Planned Parenthood supports the right of those who oppose abortion to voice their concerns in public forums in ways that do not harm others. However, the tragic murder of Dr. George Tiller highlights the danger in using extremist rhetoric, fear, harassment and intimidation as a means to change minds.

It is a sad reality that every day here in Spokane patients and their families must walk past protesters just to get their reproductive health care needs met. Planned Parenthood patients come for services including birth control, cancer screening, STD tests, pregnancy tests and, yes, abortions. In fact, most of the services our patients seek actually prevent unplanned pregnancies. Further, the vast majority of our patients are low-income people who cannot afford to see a private doctor for their health care.

It is the hope of Planned Parenthood that something positive will emerge from the tragic, horrific murder of Dr. Tiller. It is our hope that the people who oppose abortion and the elected officials who support their cause will take a step back from the abyss and reconsider tactics that inflame extremists to violence.

Jet Tilley

Spokane