Kermit Gosnell

Kermit Barron Gosnell is an American doctor in Philadelphia who ran two multi-million dollar abortion practices, alleged to be fraudulent. After a controversy nearly a year earlier, Gosnell was arrested in January 2011, charged with eight counts of murder: one patient who allegedly died under his care after a botched abortion, and seven infants supposedly born alive whose spinal cords Gosnell allegedly severed with scissors.^[1] A grand jury recommended charges of murder against Gosnell and several of his employees.^[2] CNN stated in March 2011 that prosecutors were considering seeking the death penalty.^[3]

History

According to press reports, Gosnell graduated from the Jefferson Medical School in 1966, and in 1972 set up shop on Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia. The reports say he was well known for providing abortions to poor minority and immigrant women.^[4] He allegedly employed his wife, Pearl, at his abortion clinic, and she has since been arrested too.^[4] State officials have failed to visit or inspect his abortion clinic since 1993.^[5] It is claimed that Gosnell charged $1,600-$3,000 for each late-term abortion. ^[6] Prosecutors also claim that Gosnell is not certified in either gynecology or obstetrics.^[7] The FBI and DEA raided his office in February 2010 and word quickly circulated about the terrible and unsanitary conditions inside the building.^[8][9][10]

Arrest and alleged malpractice

Gosnell was arrested on January 19, 2011 and charged with eight counts of murder.^[5] Prosecutors allege that he killed seven babies born alive by severing their spinal cords with scissors, and that he was also responsible for the death of a woman in his care who died after a botched abortion. Gosnell's wife and eight other suspects were also arrested in connection with the case.^[5]

Reactions

Gosnell's arrest has been the subject of much public comment:

• Outgoing Governor Ed Rendell (D-PA) criticized Department of Health officials saying; "I was flabbergasted to learn that the Department of Health did not think their authority to protect public health extended to clinics offering abortion services".^[11]
• Incoming Governor Tom Corbett (R-PA) was disappointed that Pennsylvania Department of Health officials had done such a poor job of inspecting abortion facilities, saying through a spokesperson that he was; "appalled at the inaction on the part of the Health Department and the Department of State."^[12]
• Mayor Michael Nutter (D-Philadelphia) said; "I think it's quite clear that, if these allegations are true, we've had a monster living in our midst" while vowing to watch the city's remaining abortion clinics more closely.^[13]
• Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden (D-Delaware) promised a wide-ranging investigations into the abortions Gosnell performed in Delaware saying; "I'm disturbed by the allegations that were handed up by the grand jury in Philadelphia".^[14]
• Vicki Saporta, speaking for the National Abortion Federation, an association of abortion providers, pointed out that Gosnell had been denied membership in the association because his facility did not meet appropriate standards of care, and commented, "Unfortunately, some women don't know where to turn. You sometimes have substandard providers preying on low-income women who don't know that they do have other (safe) options."^[15]
• Dayle Steinberg, of Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania, condemned Gosnell, saying, "We would condemn any physician who does not follow the law or endangers anyone’s health...All women should have access to high-quality care when they are vulnerable and facing difficult decisions."^[16]

References