Senator Barbara Boxer Statement on the Murder of Dr. George Tiller

June 1, 2009 -- "I send my condolences to Dr. Tiller's family, friends and patients who relied on him.

The debate over abortion rights is very difficult and reaches deep into religion, philosophy and one’s view of Roe v. Wade.

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Everyone has the right to work for changes in the law. But to assault a health care worker, a patient or anyone else because of a disagreement about an issue, regardless of how contentious, brings all of humanity down into a dark pit of violence.

Such actions must not be tolerated.

Many women have attested to Dr. Tiller's steadfast advocacy for women's health care and reproductive rights. Even in the face of repeated acts of harassment and violence, he remained true to the law and worked to provide women with a safe place to turn.

Today, we must renew our commitment to work together, across the religious and ideological spectrum, to find common ground and resolve our differences in a peaceful and responsible way."

Source: Senator Barbara Boxer