Charges against George Tiller, brought by notorious anti-choice Attorney General Phil Kline (yes, the same guy who, as part of his anti-choice crusade, subpoenaed the private medical records of dozens of women and girls who had terminated their pregnancies), have been dropped — not only because they were entirely unsubstantiated, but because the DA herself requested their dismissal. And because Kline lacked the legal authority to file them in the first place.
Kline was ousted in the most recent election, and is using his final weeks in office to continue his persecution of Kansas abortion providers. The fact that he’s targeting Tiller isn’t surprising, as Tiller is routinely harassed by the anti-choice movement (he’s a favorite target of Operation Rescue), and has been a repeated victim of anti-choice terrorism. His clinic has been bombed, and he has been shot in both arms. A simple google search will reveal anti-choice sites that post pictures of his home, directions to his house, and give his personal address. Anti-choice groups have filed repeated unsubstantiated charges against him, none of which stick. But it’s certainly interesting (and unfortunately not surprising) to see a state official jump on board with the zealots who stalk, harass, and intimidate Dr. Tiller, and who often resort to violence.
Thankfully, Kline will be out in just a few days, and his Democratic replacement with undoubtedly be better.