Abortion Practitioner Who Killed Woman in Failed Abortion Not Charged 
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
November 30, 2005
Wichita, KS(LifeNews.com) — A Kansas state medical board has closed its case concerning Wichita late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller and claims neither he nor his staff were responsible for the botched abortion death of a Kansas woman in January.
Christin A. Gilbert died after a third-trimester abortion on January 13, 2005. After the botched abortion, Gilbert was rushed into the Wesley Medical Center ER, followed moments later by Tiller.
Following a closed-door meeting, the Board of Healing Arts concluded a nine-month investigation and determined that Tiller complied with state laws and health care standards in his treatment of the woman, despite eventually killing her.
However, Gilbert’s autopsy report specifically indicated that she died from "complications to a therapeutic abortion."
Cheryl Sullenger, of Operation Rescue, which has closely followed the case, said the documents they have obtained make it clear Tiller killed Gilbert.
"We believe the autopsy and other documents prove that he violated the standard of care by misdiagnosing a life-threatening infection as dehydration," she explained. Sullenger also said Tiller sent "her to an unequipped hotel room instead of the hospital even though her condition was worsening" following the botched abortion.
"I believe that every Kansan should be concerned about the Board being unwilling to do their job to police the medical profession and protect the health and safety of patients. Because they steadfastly refuse to do their jobs, all Kansans are at risk," she added.
Larry Buening, the board’s executive director, notified pro-abortion Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of the board’s conclusion in a letter he sent last week, according to an Associated Press report. Sebelius’ office released a copy of the letter today.
Referring to Tiller, Buening wrote that "the unfortunate death of the patient was not caused by any act or failure to act by Licensee or his staff."
"The board has now concluded all inquiry and review of the matter and closed the investigation," Buening wrote, according to the AP report.
The governor asked the board to investigate the death in February and pro-life groups said her concern about the safety of women at abortion facilities was too little too late after she twice vetoed a bill to put some regulations in place.
Sebelius has also been accused of providing political cover for Tiller because he has contributed thousands of dollars to her campaigns.
