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Dr. Kermit Gosnell Avoids Death Penalty, Waives Appeals

By Jeralyn, Section Crime in the News
Posted on Tue May 14, 2013 at 07:09:29 PM EST
Tags: abortion, Kermit Gosnell (all tags)
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Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell agreed today to two life sentences and waive his appeal rights in exchange for the state taking the death penalty off the table.

Gosnell was convicted of first degree murder on Monday in the deaths of three babies who were born live and then killed by severing their spinal chords with scissors. As part of the deal, Gosnell, 72, will serve two life sentences without the possibility of parole or the opportunity to appeal.

Sentencing is set for tomorrow. [More...]

As I wrote at the time the Indictment was handed down:

This clinic should have been shut down years ago, not because abortions were being performed, but because of the squalid conditions, risk to the lives of the mothers and lack of medical personnel.

Seeking the death penalty was overkill:

Since Dr. Gosnell is 70 years old, if convicted, he would likely get a sentence that amounts to life in prison. That is, for all practical effect, a death sentence: the only way he comes out is in a pine box. If sentenced to death, his appeals would take years, and likely outlive him. Insisting that he be executed is a waste of the state's judicial and financial resources.

This case should strengthen, not weaken, the case for legal abortions. As Harry Reid said today, it is restrictions on legalized abortions that force women to turn to doctors like Gosnell.

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