In the case of Kermit Gosnell, abortion doctor, the jury is reportedly hung on two counts. Gosnell is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, one count of third-degree murder, conspiracy, abortion at 24 or more weeks, theft, corruption of minors, and several other similar offenses.
The case stems from accusations that Gosnell performed numerous late-term abortions in his Pennsylvania clinic. The four murder charges are associated with accusations that Gosnell used scissors to sever the spinal cords of several babies born alive.
As reported by CNN , Pennsylvania law prohibits abortion after 24 weeks . If convicted on the first-degree murder charges, Gosnell could face the death penalty.
The abortion doctor’s case was turned over to a jury two weeks ago. Today it was announced that the jury is deadlocked on two of the counts. The specific counts mentioned were not revealed. The jury is currently awaiting further instructions from the judge.
Gosnell, age 72, was owner and director of the Women’s Medical Society Clinic in Pennsylvania. The clinic has closed amid the accusations. However, details revealed throughout the trial have earned the clinic the nickname “house of horrors.” Authorities have described the conditions of the clinic as “filthy.”
Gosnell’s clinic catered primarily to low-income minority women without health insurance. Gosnell contends that he was performing a much needed service to women in the community, which could not afford the procedures elsewhere.
As reported by Reuters , Attorneys defending Gosnell assert that there is no proof any babies were born alive in the clinic.
In addition to the babies, Gosnell has been charged in the death of Karnamaya Mongar. Monger, age 41, allegedly died as the result of overdose on medication, administered by Gosnell prior to an abortion.
Eight members of Gosnell’s staff, including Gosnell’s wife, were charged and have plead guilty to a variety of charges. Several charges include performing medical procedures without certification.
The jury. deliberating the abortion doctor’s case, is comprised of seven women and five men. Court resumed this morning with the announcement that the jury is hung on two counts. The nature of those two counts is unknown.
