It's happening all over again. The ritual that abortion providers go through when they learn that one of their own has been slain or terrorized by the anti abortion hate mongers. You're in your garden, or cleaning your garage, and you get a call from someone who is online. Then the phone calls begin...the disbelief, sobbing, remembering a very wonderful man. And eventually the anger. Although we are in shock, we are not surprised. Dr. Tiller has been targeted before and has spent most of his time defending himself against anti's at the clinic and in the Kansas government with several criminal complaints. In March he was acquitted of 16 counts of "failing to get a second opinion."

And many providers have noticed an increase in harassment outside clinics. So much so that providers have started Enough! Basta! Stop Bullying at Women's Clinics with a page on Facebook under that name. The group has raised about $2000 to put videos of harassment on the internet so that the public can understand the context of hate outside clinics. There is more information at the ACN website as well as a place to donate. To get directly to the FAcebook Cause page click here

If you are as saddened or as outraged as I am right now, make a donation, no matter how small, and share your feelings with your friends, co workers, and favorite blogs.