Choice & Love:
These two words -- choice and love -- filled an afternoon of performance and activism at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Montclair, New Jersey in a February Valentine's event on February 13, 2011. And these words opened hearts to the memory of Dr. George Tiller, the doctor assassinated at his church in Kansas in 2009.
The day was dedicated to Dr. Tiller, and, fittingly, it sparkled with a fierce and renewed commitment to reproductive freedom. In addition to a performance of Words of Choice, NJ State Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono -- the first woman majority leader -- gave a rousing address, urging the crowd of 110-plus to step up their commitments to reproductive freedom and to stop damaging anti-choice provisions, now pending. (In addition to national debacles, NJ Republican Governor Chris Christie vetoed money for family planning -- thanks for caring about women & families, Chris.)
The stellar organizers from the Montclair congregation wanted to make sure that people had plenty of opportunities to step up their commitments, and every corner of the room was filled with an amazing Pro-choice Activist Fair. Here is a model for the celebration and activism that can be used across the country. Set up were tables with informational literature, displays, activist cards, and the ability to send instant messages to legislators. Planned Parenthood of NJ, Manavi, National Advocates for Pregnant Women, the New Jersey Abortion Access Fund, the Ridgewood Unitarian Reproductive Rights coalition, and more, were on hand.
Brilliantly, one activist table was devoted to Dr. Tiller. His story was described in pictures, a slide show, and placards of "Dr. Tillerisms" (pictured), the mottos for which he became famous. His story needs to be retold: this same week, Dr. Mila Means, a doctor aiming to set up a new practice in Dr. Tiller's hometown of Wichita, is being harassed by anti-abortion zealots. So are other providers around the country. (On Kansas, see this story on Valentine's Day and this story two days later on Rachel Maddow's show.)
Montclair participants were invited to leave messages that could share their sentiments with Dr. Tiller and his family. Here is what people wrote:
Messages to Dr. Tiller, and shared with Dr. Mila Means, too, from Choice & Love at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair:
To Dr. Tiller, Thank you for having the courage that many of us aspire to. May we answer the call as you did when our moment of decision arrives.
We shed tears for your loss. Thanks for all you have done for my daughters, sisters, mothers & me! We will keep up the good fight.
Your bravery has inspired a whole generation and will continue to inspire and empower a new generation, like my 24 and 21 year olds.
I admire your courage in the face of injustice.
Dr. Tiller - Thank you. Your action and courage are so inspiring!
Dr. Tiller: Thank you for your steadfast commitment to serving your community according to your truest beliefs. Your ultimate sacrifice places your commitment in history forever.
33 years ago people said - because I couldn't afford an abortion after being raped but was ineligible for Medicaid and I had my 1 child – "Aren't you glad you didn't abort?" Although I do love my daughter, because of all I was forced to go through, my answer is still "no."
Thank you, Dr. Tiller, for your unwavering strength of your convictions and your compassionate support of women.
Dear Dr. Tiller, We cannot let all your courage, all your bravery in fighting for a woman's right of choice in her reproductive health be lost. We must as individuals take up the torch and follow your example.
Thank you, Dr. Tiller, for risking your life and do what you knew you had to do. You are an inspiration.
I cannot imagine a world for my daughter in which her personal health choices would be so narrowed and constricted. Providers like Dr. Tiller are heroes.
Thank you Dr. Tiller for your courage, for your great work!
In honor of Dr. Tiller, we join the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair in sending 'Choice and Love' thanks to doctors across the country, who continue to make options available to women of all backgrounds.
Posted by Cindy Cooper
Pic above: Quotes from Dr. Tiller, d. May 31,2009, at the activist table, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair
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