Paul Hill

Paul Hill may refer to several notable individuals, including a British filmmaker, an American anti-abortion activist, and a Canadian musician. This article focuses on the American activist.

Paul Jennings Hill (February 6, 1954 – September 3, 2003) was an American anti-abortion activist and former Presbyterian minister. He gained national attention for his controversial views on abortion and his role in the anti-abortion violence movement.

Early Life and Education

Hill was born in Miami, Florida. He attended Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, and later the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, where he graduated in 1984.

Career

Hill was ordained as a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) in 1984. However, his views on abortion led to his excommunication from the OPC in 1990. He then joined the Army of God, an American anti-abortion organization.

Anti-Abortion Activism

Hill was a vocal proponent of justifiable homicide in the context of the anti-abortion movement. He publicly advocated for the use of lethal force to prevent abortions, a stance that was widely criticized and led to his excommunication from the OPC.

Legal Issues and Execution

In 1994, Hill was convicted for the murders of Dr. John Britton and James Barrett, who were both involved in providing abortion services. He was executed by lethal injection in 2003, becoming the first person in the United States to be executed for anti-abortion violence.

Legacy

Hill's actions and views continue to be a topic of debate within the anti-abortion movement. While some view him as a martyr, others condemn his use of violence.

See Also

• Anti-abortion violence
• Army of God
• Orthodox Presbyterian Church