A gunman killed Tiller on Sunday. This was a horrible murder that was anything but pro life. It is, in effect, a form of terrorism. The suspect, Scott Roeder, is reported to have associated with anti-government militia groups, which are typically anti-immigrant and pro guns. This mentality "is a signal to all of us that certain groups want to keep us in line," says Veronica Arreola of the Center for Research on Women and Gender at the University of Illinois.

Tiller provided third-trimester abortion services. This rare abortion is protected under Roe V. Wade when there is a threat to a woman's health or life.

Tiller was also a member of the Reform Lutheran Church. And there was no contradiction in that. A woman's Constitutional and human rights are separate from personal religious beliefs.

Tiller is the latest of several doctors, patient escorts and staff murdered by violent anti-abortion fanatics. Some abortion opponents have disavowed the murder. But the day-to-day intimidation of women entering health clinics, whenever it crosses the line and causes fear for their safety and that of doctors and nurses, must be investigated by the FBI.

In New York City, the clinic access law protects women from harassment. This protection is critical. Women must have unencumbered access to legalized health options. Otherwise, they are forced into backroom abortions. The recent abortion ban in the Dominican Republic, for example, undermines women's health and choices.

People who are against abortion have a right to free speech. But they do not have a right to endanger women and healthcare providers.