Dear editor,
I write to you today—the second anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Tiller, a Kansas physician who provided abortion care to women from all across the country— with the disturbing news that a Marshfield, WI man was arrested last week after admitting his intent to murder health care providers at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. I am so grateful to report that no one was hurt (if you haven’t already heard, please see the WI State Journal story, “Marshfield Man Charged with Attempt to Kill Abortion Doctor”). Our public statement is copied at the end of this portion of my letter.
I couldn’t be more proud of my colleagues who work in Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin’s 27 health centers around the state. Even as this news unfolded, they continued to provide the highest quality health care to the women and men who rely on us. Their personal strength and commitment to our fundamental belief that all people should have access to the health care they need is without equal.
Last week’s arrest should serve as a wakeup call to those who aggressively campaign against Planned Parenthood to return to common sense and civility. To that end, I call on you to condemn the threats and rhetoric against Planned Parenthood. There is simply no place in civil society for outrageous and frightening intimidation.
My hope is that, through this senseless act, we can re-attune our focus to values I hope we share:
- Strong and caring families and communities
- The decision when to become a parent is a fundamental human right
- Sexuality is a healthy, normal, and essential part of being human
- Every person deserves equal access to quality and comprehensive health care
- Every person deserves to be treated as a morally capable decision maker entitled to make health care decisions free from condemnation, coercion or violence
- Respect for every person’s unique needs and circumstances
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin supports these values by: providing high quality and affordable health care to 73,000 patients statewide; providing accurate, evidence-based health and sexuality education to our patients, and to youth, parents and professionals; serving as an invaluable resource to the community- at-large, and advocating for policies that support access to comprehensive reproductive health care and education.
I look forward to a return to common sense and a renewed commitment to enhance women’s access to health care. For over 75 years, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has worked to build safe and healthy communities throughout Wisconsin. We look forward to continuing to meet those health care needs in safe and supportive environment that trusts women to make their own informed health care decisions.
With deepest gratitude,
Teri Huyck,
President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin
Statement by Teri Huyck, on the attempted murder of Wisconsin physicians:
“For 75 years, the dedicated staff at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin have worked to ensure that women and families will always be able to access affordable, high-quality health care in a safe and caring environment in which their privacy and dignity is respected.
“We care for more than 73,000 patients statewide who turn to us for medical exams, lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control and STD testing and treatment. Over 97 percent of the health care services we provide are critical, preventive care such as this. “At three of our centers, we provide abortion care, a critical component of comprehensive women’s health care. We believe that women deserve a safe and compassionate provider to turn to, and we are proud to be that place for Wisconsin women.
“Our committed staff does this work in spite of daily protests aimed at intimidating and harassing them and our patients. Yet, day after day, our caring staff demonstrates brave perseverance in providing women with the health care they need.
“We received the disturbing news yesterday that an armed abortion rights opponent was apprehended by the Madison Police. This person apparently intended to murder physicians who provide abortion care at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.
“Our primary concern today and every day is the health and safety of our patients, staff and volunteers. With the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Madison Police Department, we have taken the security precautions necessary to continue with our work.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the law enforcement agencies working with us to ensure Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin continues to be a safe and trusted health care provider for Wisconsin women and families.”
