ABSTRACT

Dr. George Tiller had been labeled “Tiller the Baby Killer” by those opposed to his late-term abortion practice. Those who condemned his practices advocated violence, even lethal violence, to stop him. They were convinced they were doing God’s will, taking life to protect life. Although extreme, such activists were embedded in a national social movement. The high-water mark came with the 1991 Summer of Mercy, where the immediate objective was to close down three local clinics, with special attention given to the one run by Dr. Tiller, who advertised nationally the late-term-abortion services he provided. Standing in opposition were those committed to respect the dignity and autonomy of a woman and the protection of her health.