Abortionist Tiller Goes to Trial

The infamous abortionist faces 19 charges of breaking a state late-term abortion law.

TOPEKA, Kansas (LifeSiteNews.com) - After a long string of efforts on the part of Kansas abortionist George Tiller's attorneys to stifle the case met with failure, the highly anticipated criminal trial against the abortionist began today with jury selection.

The infamous abortionist faces 19 charges of breaking a state late-term abortion law that requires an unaffiliated, second doctor to confirm that a woman needs a late-term abortion for serious health reasons. Tiller allegedly maintained a close financial and legal relationship with fellow abortionist Ann Kristen Neuhaus, who gave consent to Tiller's numerous late-term abortions.

The jury will consist of the usual six members, rather than the twelve requested by Tiller's attorneys. Opening arguments are scheduled to begin on Monday, March 23. If convicted, Tiller faces up to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine for each count. Assistant Attorney General Barry Disney told a potential jury pool that he expects the trial to last only two days.

The case against Tiller was spearheaded by former state attorney general and Johnson County district attorney Phill Kline in 2003 and had to overcome numerous hurdles before commencing today.

In an effort to halt the case, Tiller's lawyers attempted to discredit Kline and his methods of pursuing the case, challenged the constitutionality of the law Tiller stands accused of breaking, and asked to suppress the evidence against him. Last month a district court judge denied all motions by Tiller's lawyers to dismiss or suppress, leaving the case against Tiller free to proceed.

The prosecution will be managed by attorney general Steve Six, the third attorney general to handle the case, after Phill Kline and Paul Morrison.

Last Thursday, only days before the case was set to begin, members of Operation Rescue, the pro-life group that has for years protested outside Tiller's facility, witnessed a woman suffering from a botched abortion being transported from the facility, Women's Health Care Services, to a hospital via ambulance. As paramedics brought her into the emergency room, the woman lay prone with a sheet covering her head, leaving witnesses wondering if she was alive or dead.

The incident, only the latest of many documented by Operation Rescue, renewed calls for Tiller to be brought to justice.

"Tiller's abortion clinic operates outside the bounds of the law and moral decency," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who took video footage of the hospitalization. "How many women must suffer life-threatening injuries or even death until he is jailed and his dangerous abortion business is shut down?"

"This video shows the need to convict Tiller and get him out of business. He and his staff present an extreme danger to the public," said Newman. "We urge Christians everywhere to join us in praying that Tiller will be convicted and his abortion mill will be permanently closed."

The Christian Defense Coalition, Operation Rescue and other pro-life organizations will be holding daily prayer vigils at the courthouse and evening prayer vigils at local churches while the jury selection and trial is taking place. (For more information, visit: http://www.operationrescue.org/)

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