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Crossing Continents: Kermit Gosnell: Doctor and Murderer

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Kermit Gosnell: Doctor and Murderer

05/08/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Crossing Continents, Kermit Gosnell: Doctor and Murderer

How the disturbing tale of one abortionist is affecting America's wider debate.

Neal Razzell explores how the deeply disturbing tale of one Philadelphia abortionist, now convicted of multiple murders, is affecting America's wider debate.

Dr Kermit Gosnell had a reputation as the 'abortion doctor of last resort' along the East Coast of the United States - until his arrest in 2010. He regularly performed abortions well past the legal limit of 24 weeks with the help of untrained staff. At least two women died because of the treatment they received at his Philadelphia clinic. He has now been sentenced to three life sentences for the murder of three babies born alive.
But authorities only acted against Gosnell when they suspected him of selling prescription medicines. Warnings about the dangers to women and children were ignored. The gruesome story has renewed the abortion debate across the United States. Neal Razzell travels to Philadelphia to find out what went wrong and how his case is being used to change public policy - in ways, some say, will make women less safe.
This programme contains some extremely disturbing content.
Produced by Smita Patel.

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