The early media messaging about Dr. Tiller seems determined to paint him as "that polarizing, controversial abortion doctor," nothing more. I did not have the honor of meeting Dr. Tiller, but I greatly admired his clinic. In all the conversations I've had with colleagues and staff, everyone keeps coming back to Dr. Tiller's kindness, his generosity and spirituality. They recalled hearing him talk about really listening to women's stories, about the importance of ritual for families who are grieving.

In honor of his life, let's not reduce his career or women's stories to caricature. One site which allows patients to share their complex experiences is Kansas Stories. These stories primarily focus on situations of fetal anamoly. These are average women. Dr. Tiller could have been your sister's doctor. Your wife's doctor. These are not "culture warriors," this is your math teacher, your girl scout leader, your best friend.

As one woman writes: The reality is that abortion in the late second and third trimesters is extremely rare. The reality is that finding a doctor to do this procedure in the late second or third trimester is almost impossible. For me, the reality was that at the most painful time of my life I had to travel out of state, stay in a hotel room and face hostile protesters in order to carry out this most personal of choices.

-Nell





