The tragic shooting of Dr. John Britton, a family practitioner also known for providing abortion services, has ignited a heated national debate and drawn widespread condemnation from both pro-life and abortion rights organizations. Just two months prior to this incident, a federal law was enacted, criminalizing obstruction of abortion clinic access and violence against patients or employees. This law, signed by Mr. Clinton, carries severe penalties, including a life sentence for violence resulting in the death of an abortion provider or patient. Attorney General Reno indicated that this legislation might be applicable to the Britton shooting, contingent on what best serves the legal proceedings.
‘No Room for Violence’ – Pro-Life Groups Condemn the Attack
In the wake of the shooting, numerous anti-abortion groups were quick to voice their disapproval and distance themselves from the violence. Rev. Pat Mahoney, a prominent figure in the Operation Rescue movement, a more assertive anti-abortion group, stated unequivocally, “The pro-life movement has no room for violence or vigilantism. There are no qualifiers.” This strong denouncement highlights the internal divisions within the anti-abortion movement, particularly concerning the appropriateness of aggressive tactics.
Echoing this sentiment, Roger Cardinal Mahony of Los Angeles, chairman of the Committee for Pro-Life Activities of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed his dismay, stating that the shooting “makes a mockery of everything we stand for.” These reactions underscore the mainstream pro-life movement’s official stance against violence as a means to achieve their objectives, aiming to separate themselves from extremist elements.
Abortion Rights Advocates Point to Broader Anti-Abortion Rhetoric
Conversely, abortion rights advocates argue that the broader anti-abortion movement bears some responsibility for fostering an environment where such acts of violence can occur. James Wagoner, vice president of the National Abortion Rights Action League, voiced this perspective, stating, “We’re stunned and horrified. We believe a significant portion of the blame for this murderous act rests with the leadership of the anti-choice movement, which has been unwilling or unable to control the violent extremists within their midst.” This viewpoint suggests that while mainstream anti-abortion groups may not directly endorse violence, their rhetoric and actions may inadvertently embolden individuals to take extreme measures.
Dr. John Britton’s Background and Medical History
Dr. John Britton was not only a figure in the abortion debate but also a family practitioner with a complex professional history. According to reports from The Associated Press, Dr. Britton had faced disciplinary actions from Florida medical authorities on two separate occasions. In 1966, he was placed on probation for unprofessional conduct stemming from a romantic relationship with his receptionist, who was also a former patient. Later, in 1982, he faced further scrutiny for allegedly prescribing a substantial quantity of painkillers, specifically 1,800 tablets of Percocet and Percodan, to an individual struggling with drug abuse. These past incidents add layers to the narrative surrounding Dr. Britton, portraying him as a figure with a multifaceted and at times controversial background beyond his role as an abortion provider.
