Killer of abortionist facing life in prison

Jurors took just 37 minutes to convict Scott Roeder of putting a shotgun to Dr George Tiller's forehead and pulling the trigger in the foyer of a church.

Roeder's attorneys had hoped to argue for a lesser conviction of voluntary manslaughter, based on the defendant's belief the killing was justified to save the lives of unborn children. But the judge threw out that defence on Friday, leaving jurors to choose between a murder conviction or acquittal.

Roeder, 51, of Kansas City, Missouri, admitted his actions on the witness stand.

Defence attorney Mark Rudy described his case as "helpless and hopeless".

Abortion rights advocates said the decision would send a message to the militant fringe of the anti-abortion movement.

Vicki Saporta, president of America's National Abortion Federation, said:

"While the verdict won't bring back Dr Tiller, it was very important justice was done for the safety and security of other abortion providers across the country and women's ability to access abortion care."

Troy Newman, president of Wichita-based Operation Rescue, said: "Pro-life was not on trial. An insane man doing an insane thing was on trial."

Roeder could be considered for parole after 25 years. But prosecutor Nola Foulston said she would seek to ensure that he serve at least 50 years before being eligible. Sentencing was set for 9 March.

Dr Tiller's widow Jeanne later released a statement saying the jury had "reached a just verdict".

His family said it wanted Dr Tiller to be "remembered for his legacy of service to women, the help he provided for those who needed it and the love and happiness he provided us as a husband, father and grandfather".