Does Tiller Signal a New Wave of Violence Against Abortion Clinics?
By Jacqueline L. Salmon Some abortion-rights advocates say they’re concerned that the George Tiller murder is the beginning of a renewed wave of violence against abortion clinics. They point out that the previous seven murders of abortion providers and other clinic staff occurred during the Clinton administration and that none occurred during the Bush administration. Their theory, I was told in interviews yesterday, is that fringe activists capable of such an act get angry at an administration that supports abortion rights but are more reassured by an administration that opposed abortion rights. Indeed, the National Abortion Federation reports seeing an uptick in violence against clinics since the November election, such as pouring glue in locks, confronting clients and disabling security systems. That’s hardly murder, but the organization fears that it’s occurring because there is a Democratic administration in office. But another view comes from Cynthia Gorney, one of the nation’s le
