“The trial of Kermit Gosnell underscores the urgent need for comprehensive abortion clinic regulations. His clinic’s horrifically unsanitary and dangerous conditions reveal that today’s back-alley is run by Big Abortion.” noted AUL’s Dr. Charmaine Yoest.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (03-05-13) – The murder trial of Kermit Gosnell, Philadelphia’s notorious late-term abortionist, began yesterday in Philadelphia. Americans United for Life President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest calls the allegations against Gosnell, a “horrific example of the substandard practices and conditions resulting from a highly unregulated Big Abortion industry.” She added, “This is compelling evidence of the urgent need to regulate these dangerous abortion clinics.”
Gosnell has been charged with eight counts of murder. Among his alleged victims are 7 babies born alive who were killed when their spinal cords were “snipped” with scissors, and a woman who died after being given an overdose of painkillers. Ten people (including Gosnell’s wife) have already been convicted or are under indictment.
When federal agents raided Gosnell’s “House of Horrors” abortion clinic in early 2010, they found “deplorable and unsanitary” conditions including blood on the floors, parts of aborted children stored in jars, and post-operative recovery areas that consisted solely of recliners. During the course of the investigation, it was alleged that Gosnell did not arrive at the clinic until 6:00pm each day and sanctioned the performance of gynecological exams and the administration of controlled substances and prescription medication by non-licensed staff at the clinic.
This tragic case and a growing list of others from across the country underscore the need for AUL’s “Abortion Patients’ Enhanced Safety Act,” model legislation that mandates that abortion clinics meet the same patient care standards as other outpatient surgical facilities.
To see AUL’s model legislation on clinic regulations, click here.
