Dr. Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia abortion doctor convicted of killing three babies who were born alive in his clinic agreed on Tuesday to give up his right to an appeal will face a life in prison, the Associated Press reported. Gosnell will be spared a death sentence.
Dr. Gosnell was found guilty on Monday of first-degree murder in the deaths of the babies who were delivered alive and killed with scissors. During his trial, former clinic employees testified that Gosnell routinely performed illegal abortions past Pennsylvania's 24-week limit. Gosnell reportedly delivered babies who were still moving, whimpering or breathing, and that he and his assistants dispatched the newborns by "snipping" their spines, as he referred to it.
Prosecutors agreed to two life sentences without parole, and Gosnell was to be sentenced Wednesday in the death of the third baby, an involuntary manslaughter conviction in the death of a patient and hundreds of lesser counts.
"The media has been overwhelmingly against him," defense lawyer Jack McMahon said. "But I think the jury listened to the evidence ... and they found what they found."
Partisans on both sides of the nation's polarized abortion debate were quick to weigh in after the verdict.
Abortion foes said the case helped to illustrate the disturbing reality of abortion.
"This has helped more people realize what abortion is really about," said David O'Steen, executive director of the National Right to Life Committee. He said he hopes the case results in more states passing bills that prohibit abortion "once the unborn child can feel pain."
Supporters of legalized abortion said the case offered a preview of what poor, desperate young women could face if abortion is driven underground with more restrictive laws.
"Kermit Gosnell has been found guilty and will get what he deserves. Now, let's make sure these women are vindicated by delivering what all women deserve: access to the full range of health services including safe, high-quality and legal abortion care," said Ilyse G. Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.
