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I knew Dr. Slepian. I knew this remarkable man. I knew of his commitment to his patients and of his dedication to our cause. I knew of his devotion to the reproductive health and freedom of American women. And I knew of his determination and courage.

Dr. Slepian was a victim of serious threats for years and he never backed down. Not once did he think of ending his practice or abandoning the women who relied on him so much. Dr. Slepian believed deeply in the constitutional right of women to choose and he rightly believed that he was a force that enabled women to exercise that right with dignity and in safety.

A dedicated physician, a true ally in the fight for women's reproductive health, a husband, a father, and a dear friend. Dr. Slepian will be sorely missed.

Dr. Slepian would want his passing should serve a much higher purpose. So let us honor him with renewed commitment to the pro-choice values he so perfectly embodied. Let us mark his passing with renewed courage to fight for women's reproductive health and the right of women to choose - free from government interference - free from harassment - free from intimidation - and free from violence.

Coming on the heels of the brutal death of Matthew Shepard, the shocking murder of Dr. Slepian reflects a deeply disturbing and increasingly dangerous trend of intolerance, exclusion, hatred and disdain for the rule of law. Both Dr. Slepian and Matthew Shepard were victims of those who use violence to express their opposition to social progress. This reign of terror must be stopped.

Increasingly, anti-choice groups and their leaders are using sensationalized rhetoric and incendiary statements to characterize abortion. They have labeled doctors as murders, posted their names on "wanted' signs and on the Internet, and even gone so far a to publicly justify the murder of these men.

But it is time for that to change. Those who oppose abortion must take responsibility for their role in creating a climate where the zealous feel justified in committing acts of violence. They must acknowledge and admit that their words drive unrestrained factions of their movements to commit these horrific acts. Denials and condemnations no longer suffice. They must stop referring to abortion as murder. And they must stop referring to doctors as murderers.

These are acts of terrorism, pure and simple, and this country must condemn them as such. Our outrage should boil over and spill into the streets. Law enforcement, legislators, the medical community, pro-choice and anti-choice Americans alike must rise up and strike back at the heart of these criminals - not with violence, but with swift justice and meaningful action.

Those who would do away with the Roe have become emboldened - have become smarter - have become a very powerful force in America - with a reach that is broader and deeper than we could ever have imagined just four years ago with the congressional landslide election of 1994. The freedom to choose is no longer safe and the time for action is now.

In less than two weeks we must make choices at the polls. Let bring our outrage at these killings into the voting booth with us. Let us bring a renewed commitment to our cause. On November 3rd, I ask you to step up to our opponents and do as they preach - vote your own values. Dig deep into who we are as a people - into what we want for our children - into the freedoms so hard won, and now at risk.

If we fail to rally our people into action, then our opponents - and the murderer of Dr. Slepian will have won. If we fail to rally to our own cause, we will have failed ourselves - and we will fail our future.

Let us honor Dr. Slepian with action, not tears.

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