FRONT ROYAL, VA -- In light of the killing of abortionist George Richard Tiller on May 31, 2009, the leaders of LDI wish to remind pro-life activists of our position on violence:

While LDI steadfastly upholds the free exercise of constitu­tional rights, we unequivocally condemn acts of violence committed in the name of the Pro-Life Movement. Violence is morally reprehensible and contrary to the fundamental premise that every human life is precious and deserving of respect. In line with this policy, LDI will accept only those words and deeds that are life-affirming and God-honoring. No amount of justification will change the truth; violence is wrong--in and out of the womb. This policy is a deeply held conviction and will not be ignored, weakened or altered for any reason whatsoever. Any person who disagrees with this policy is invited to withhold financial support.

"The Pro-Life Movement could end abortion in America if we were to conspire to simultaneously kill all abortion­ists and firebomb all facilities where abortions are com­mitted," said LDI President Douglas R. Scott, Jr. "That is to say that the Pro-Life Movement could end abortion in America--or a day or two. The final result would be that abortion would become a guaranteed explicit right in the Constitution and no one, be them lawmaker or average citizen, would listen to a word we had to say. All doctors would be forced to commit the gruesome act and hospit­als--even Christian hospitals--would be required to al­low abortions on their property. And this says nothing of the fact that the killing and firebombing would be just plain wrong in every possible way--including mo­rally."

Scott believes the person who killed Tiller may have singlehandedly guaranteed passage of the Freedom of Choice Act. "And there may be an even higher price the Pro-Life Movement will have to pay," he said. "Killing is not just morally wrong; it is also strategically stupid."