Published: June 02, 2009 11:25 am      

Death clashes with pro-life cause

Ada — One of the most prominent abortion doctors in the U.S. was killed Sunday during services at his Wichita, Kan. church.

Dr. George Tiller, 67, who has been known by some as “Tiller the baby killer,” was slain by Scott Roeder, 51, of Merriam, Kan.

Roeder shot Tiller at the church, then fled the scene. He was later arrested in a Kansas City suburb. Roeder has a record of being an anti-abortion activist associated with a right-wing separatist group.

Tiller’s clinic has sparked controversy for years, because it is one of only three in the nation that performs late-term abortions after 21 weeks of pregnancy. This form of abortion is banned in several states, including Oklahoma.

But at a time when the pro-life movement seems to be growing, some are trying to equate Roeder’s agenda to the agenda of the entire pro-life movement.

“Pres. Obama has called on leaders of both sides of the debate on whether women should have the right to legal abortion to come together and find common ground,” Kelli Conlin, President of National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League Pro-Choice New York said in a recent press release. “But it is cold-blooded, vicious actions like today’s assassination that make it hard for those of us in the pro-choice community to find common ground with those on the other side.”

This implies that Roeder is a representation of “the other side.” But some local pastors say there are no similiarities between Roeder and the pro-life community.

“He doesnt represent the pro-life movement,” said First Baptist pastor Pat Kilby. “Life is sacred to God at all points.”

Kilby said Roeder’s mindset is not pro-life, because he values the life of a fetus more than that of Tiller.

“It’s wrong to take a life, period,” he said.

This view is also reflected in the largest pro-life organization in the nation.

“The National Right to Life Committee condemns any such acts of violence regardless of motivation,” David O’Steen, the NRLC executive director said. “The pro-life movement works to protect the right to life and increase respect for human life.”

Zac Christian, pastor of H2O Church, said he is very pro-life, but does not understand how someone could kill another– especially at a church service.

“I’m saddened by anything like that,” he said. “I don’t understand that mindset.”

Christian said even though he disagreed with Tiller’s actions, he did not believe Roeder’s actions were justified.

“I’m against what Tiller was doing,” he said. “At the same time, I’m saddened because he was killed. There are so many people that walk through church doors that don’t have it together, but I praise God they’re in the church doors.”