March 29, 2001
Communications Department
202-667-5881
National Abortion Federation Praises the FBI for Apprehending Anti-Choice Extremist Indicted for the Murder of Dr. Barnett Slepian and Wanted in the Shootings of Four Other Abortion Providers
Washington, DC - James Charles Kopp, charged with the murder of Dr. Barnett Slepian, and wanted in the shootings of four other abortion providers, was arrested by police in France and is now in custody, according to the FBI. "This is important news for those who risk their lives to provide safe abortion services to women," said Vicki Saporta, Executive Director of the National Abortion Federation (NAF). "Today, we praise the FBI for their tireless work in bringing this terrorist to justice. Because of their actions, a cold-blooded murderer will no longer be able to threaten the lives of abortion providers in the United States and Canada," said Saporta.
"Our thoughts are with the family of Dr. Slepian, and with the families of those who were targeted for violence by Kopp. We hope that this news brings them some peace after all that they have experienced. Today, we also honor of all of those women and men who continue to provide safe, legal reproductive health care to women in the face of this ongoing violence and harassment."
The National Abortion Federation, representing abortion providers throughout the U.S. and Canada, works closely with the FBI and other law enforcement officials. "We hope that we will reach a time when cowards no longer feel that they can resort to violence to advance their personal agenda of taking away a woman's right to choose. Until that time, we will remain vigilant and continue to work with law enforcement officials at every level to protect those who have dedicated their lives to providing safe, legal abortion services to women."
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The National Abortion Federation is the professional association of abortion providers in the U.S. and Canada dedicated to ensuring that abortion remains safe, legal and accessible.
www.prochoice.org
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