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Pro-Abortion Groups Silent in Wake of Pro-Life Activist's Slaying

By Kathleen Gilbert

OWOSSO, Michigan, September 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In contrast to the swift condemnations issued by every major pro-life group across America in the hours following the slaying of late-term abortionist George Tiller in May, a deafening silence from nearly every U.S. pro-abortion group has accompanied the hours of nationwide media buzz following the shooting death of Michigan pro-life activist Jim Pouillon early Friday morning. The only statements from pro-abortion forces thus far have been issued by the local Michigan chapter of Planned Parenthood, and the pro-abortion website RHrealitycheck.org.

Pouillon, 63, was shot multiple times and killed at 7:20 a.m. as he stood with a pro-life sign outside Owosso High School. Police charged 33-year-old Owosso resident Harland James Drake Friday afternoon with Pouillon's first-degree murder, as well as the first-degree murder of local gravel pit owner Mike Fuoss, 61, killed earlier in the morning.  

Prosecutors said Drake told them he targeted Pouillon because of his pro-life activity. 

Though Pouillon's death has made headlines in major news media, leading national pro-abortion organizations including Planned Parenthood Federation of America, NARAL, the National Organization for Women, and the National Abortion Federation have issued no response to the slaying as of 4:45 p.m. EST. 

One exception is the pro-abortion news and commentary website RHrealitycheck.org, where columnist Jodi Jacobson wrote: "Whatever the motive behind the killing of Mr. Pouillon and whatever his own background in the anti-choice movement, RH Reality Check deplores the use of violence as a tool in the debates over women's rights and health, in any form and against any person.  Our thoughts and wishes for healing go out to Mr. Pouillon's family and friends."

In the comment section of the site's report on the killing, RH Reality Check Managing Editor Amie Newman remarked: "Regardless of Mr. Pouillon's political perspectives, activism or police record there is no excuse for his murder. However, as the previous commenter noted, there is no evidence to support the conclusion that his killing - or the killing of the other man - was politically motivated.  RH Reality Check, as Jodi notes, condemns the use of violence and this is certainly a tragedy."

In addition, Lori Lamerand, the president and CEO of the local chapter of Planned Parenthood in East Central Michigan, told local media today that Planned Parenthood "would never condone any sort of violence against anyone, regardless of their views."

"Certainly we do everything we can to ensure the safety and security of our clients, and if called upon, we would obviously cooperate with any investigation with the police," said Lamerand. "I am aware he's been a protestor at our offices in the past but I have had no personal contact with this man and did not know him personally."

However, within minutes after news broke that Wichita's late-term abortionist George Tiller was shot and killed on a Sunday morning while serving as an usher at his Lutheran church, dozens of nationwide pro-life leaders and organizations immediately poured out condemnations against the violence. 

Operation Rescue, which had spearheaded peaceful protests of Tiller's business for several years, was among the first to denounce the "vigilantism and the cowardly act that took place this morning," adding that they were offering prayers for Tiller's family. 

Pouillon was a friend and active member of Operation Rescue.

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

"Jim the Sign Guy": Slain Pro-Lifer, Father of Two, Remembered by Friends as Cheerful, Peaceful Activist
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09091104.html

Well-Known Local Pro-Life Activist Gunned Down in Michigan
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09091101.html

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