Family of Abortion Practitioner George Tiller Will Close Business

Wichita, KS (LifeNews.com) -- The family of late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller, who was recently shot to death, has confirmed they will close is late-term abortion business permanently. The family's attorneys released a statement Tuesday saying the Women's Health Care Services abortion center will be "permanently closed."

The decision, they explained, is effective immediately.

It means that other late-term abortion practitioners like Nebraska-based LeRoy Carhart will not take over Tiller's Kansas-based abortion center and continue it following his death.

The statement also indicated that Tiller's family will not have any involvement in any other abortion centers. That means the Tiller name will no longer be connected with the performance of abortions on babies who may be able to live on their own outside their mother's womb.

"Notice is being given today to all concerned that the Tiller family is ceasing operation of the clinic and any involvement by family members in any other similar clinic," the statement continued.

Still, the Tiller family did not renounce his late-term abortion business, but thanked him for his involvement in the abortion industry.

"We are proud of the service and courage shown by our husband and father and know that women's health care needs have been met because of his dedication and service," the family said. "That is a legacy that will never die. The family will honor Dr. Tiller's memory through private charitable activities."

The family did not name any pro-abortion groups or other agencies that may benefit from their donations.

The family also sough to ensure women who had abortions with Tiller that their medical records will be protected. The obtaining of medical records had been an issue in the cases state attorneys filed against Tiller for allegedly engaging in illegal abortions.

The family said the medical records will be "as fiercely protected now and in the future" as they were when Tiller was doing abortions.

Tiller opened Women's Health Care Services in the 1970s and it was one of the few places in the nation solely dedicated to doing late-term abortions. Such abortions are done across the country, with as many as 13,000 or more done annually.

Tiller was allegedly shot by Scott Roeder, a militia activist with no affiliations with any pro-life organizations. Roeder's family has also indicated that he battled with mental illness over the years.

Hundreds of pro-life groups have since issued statements condemning the shooting and saying it doesn't represent the views of the majority of Americans who are pro-life on abortion and seek legal and peaceful means to protect human life.

However, that hasn't stopped pro-abortion groups from attacking the majority of Americans who take a pro-life position on abortion and referring to them as terrorists.