AP: Man admits killing Kansas abortion doctor

Scott Roeder has confessed to killing a Kansas abortion doctor, according to the Associate Press. "The 51-year-old Kansas City, Mo., man told The Associated Press in a telephone call from jail Monday that he plans to use the so-called necessity defense at his trial," the AP reported Monday.

Roeder told reporters that the killing of Dr. George Tiller was necessary because it protected the lives of unborn children.

"Because of the fact preborn children's lives were in imminent danger this was the action I chose. ... I want to make sure that the focus is, of course, obviously on the preborn children and the necessity to defend them," Roeder said.

"Defending innocent life — that is what prompted me. It is pretty simple," he said.

During the 30 minute interview, Roeder did not apologize for his role in the death of Dr. Tiller. "No, I don't have any regrets," he said.

Tiller had been the target of numerous protests during his 36 years as an abortion doctor. Foes attempted to murder him in 1993, wounding him in both arms. His clinic was also bombed in 1986.

Roeder will likely face life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors have said they won't seek the death penalty.