A Proactive Post in Dr. Tiller's Memory

I really should be trying to fall asleep as I've had a few jam packed days in New York. Or blogging about the delicious meals I shared with friends while visiting. But I can't stop thinking about Dr. Tiller's murder on Sunday morning.

There has been tons of media coverage about this truly sad turn of events, and I hope you'll spend a bit of time after reading this post thinking about Dr. Tiller's family and the way he really put his life and the safety of those around him on the line to provide reproductive health care to women who needed it. If you haven't heard, Dr. Tiller performed late term abortions and was one of few doctors who did so.

Tonight, though, I am thinking about the people who work in family planning clinics across the country (receptionists, nurses, physician assistants, waiting room attendants, and others) who woke up this morning and went to work to ensure the same level of care that Dr. Tiller worked so hard to preserve in his work. I know several of the dedicated folks working at the Planned Parenthood clinic on 16th Street--many of them are my age or even younger. And I am particularly thinking of them and the fact that they went to work today, and go to work everyday, to ensure the men and women of our community have access to safe, affordable, and accessible services all the time.

I have heard of many, many things people have done to remember Dr. Tiller and his important work in the reproductive justice community. I have summarized three important actions I have taken or plan to take and hope you'll consider incorporating one into your life:

1. Make a donation to an abortion fund. Abortion funds help women who need to terminate pregnancies but cannot afford to do so. Many women are forced to turn to abortion funds to cover abortion procedures since federal funds cannot be used to pay for them. (Read more about the Hyde Amendment here.)
2. Be conscious of your language. It is easy to turn to hateful language or violent metaphors at times like these. In my opinion, that only makes the conversation around reproductive rights even more heated and potentially destructive. Choose your words carefully and aim to inspire, not anger, others when you speak.
3. Attend a memorial service. The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is hosting a memorial service for Dr. Tiller on Monday at 6:00 PM at the National City Church in Northwest Washington. More information about the event is available on our website. If you can't attend RCRC's event, consider attending another in your community.