CHICAGO, June 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- "We deplore the killing of George Tiller on Sunday morning," said Joseph M. Scheidler, national director of the Chicago-based Pro- Life Action League.
"It has always been my philosophy that we convert abortionists," said Scheidler. "As activists committed to saving lives, we vigorously oppose violence."
Scheidler once shared a taxi with Dr. Tiller as both were headed from the airport in New Orleans to the National Abortion Federation Convention.
"Tiller apparently recognized me, but did not recall that I was a pro-life activist. He assumed I was another abortionist attending the conference," said Scheidler. "He enthusiastically extolled the value of the ultrasound in performing abortions, and invited me to visit his clinic in Wichita."
The following day Scheidler attended Tiller's presentation on the use of ultrasound. By then the doctor had realized that Scheidler was in the opposition camp, and refused to proceed with his presentation until Scheidler left the room.
"Having sat and talked with George Tiller, I probably feel a little more connection with him than many other pro-lifers might," said Scheidler. "I am adamantly opposed to what he did for a living. But I believe that anyone can come to the truth. Tiller deserved the chance to turn away from the evil of abortion. I cannot condone the taking of his life."
About Pro-Life Action League
The Pro-Life Action League was founded by Joseph M. Scheidler in 1980 with the aim of saving unborn children through non-violent direct action. Through prayer vigils outside abortion facilities and sidewalk counseling, the League reaches out to abortion- bound women and couples with abortion alternatives, confidential counseling and access to pregnancy resources.
Since July 2007, the League has been at the center of the controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood's flagship abortion facility in Aurora, Ill., dubbed, "Ground Zero" of the abortion battle by abortion supporters and opponents alike. The League has closed eight abortion clinics in Chicago alone and nearly a hundred across the country.
