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Kansas City, MO – Some two hundred fifty people gathered near the JC Nichols Fountain last night, to mourn the recent death of Wichita doctor George Tiller. KCUR's Elana Gordon reports.
Reverend Holly McKissick of St. Andrew Church of Christ gave an opening prayer.
MCKISSICK: "We remember tonight one who lived a life of rare conviction a life of courage beyond counting."
Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri organized the event. Leaders spoke of Tiller's commitment to his family, his medical practice, and to women's health. Missouri State Senator Jolie Justus also took a moment to try and mobilize the crowd of abortion rights supporters.
JUSTUS: "Help us fight this fight, so we can keep putting our message forward, which is that the health of women and children should be in front of everyone else. It should be in front of the hatred and the violence."
Tiller, who was one of only a few doctors in the country to provide late-term abortions, was shot at his church on Sunday. Many of those attending the vigil said they were still in shock over what had happened. The event didn't draw out any area anti-abortion groups, who've also said they condemn the murder.
Funding for health care coverage on KCUR has been provided by the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.
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