Nebraska abortion provider Dr. LeRoy Carhart and his wife Mary spoke Tuesday about the loss of their longtime friend and colleague, Dr. George Tiller.

At a news conference in Bellevue, Dr. Carhart read from a statement regarding the murder of the 67-year-old Tiller while trying to fight back tears.

"With the senseless murder of Dr. George Tiller we have lost a champion of women's rights, a talented, caring physician, a devoted Christian, a loving husband."

He also spoke out to those who use violence to oppose late-term abortions. "Abortion is a matter of heart, for until one understands the heart of a woman, nothing else about abortion makes any sense at all."

He said the future of Tiller's Wichita clinic at which Carhart worked is still up in the air. In a statement released on behalf of the family, the Tillers expressed hope in reopening, but said, "There have been no final decisions made about the long-term plans for the medical practice."

Carhart also urged people to speak with elected officials about anti-abortion legislation to make such violent acts a hate crime. "It is time to condemn those who commit violent acts against abortion providers and those who support and incite these violent acts."

Dr. Tiller was shot to death in a Wichita church on Sunday. Police arrested 51-year-old Scott Roeder on murder charges several hours later. He is being held without bond.

Tiller was acquitted March 27th of 19 misdemeanor criminal charges that he did not follow state law when getting a second opinion on late-term abortions.

On August 19, 1993, Tiller was shot outside his abortion clinic by pro-life activist Shelly Shannon. He was wounded in both arms, but made a full recovery. Shannon was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 11 years in prison.