Opinion: Gosnell Killings Exposed Flaws in Abortion Oversight

Even with Roe v. Wade in place, a notorious Philadelphia abortionist was allowed to operate for decades due to political inaction.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:00am

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A moody, cinematic painting of a solitary medical instrument or piece of equipment in an empty, dimly lit examination room, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet unease and the lingering effects of past medical abuses.The shadows of past medical abuses linger, even as the legal landscape shifts.Philadelphia Today

This opinion piece argues that the case of Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia abortionist convicted of murder, demonstrates how the pro-choice political lobby in Pennsylvania enabled dangerous and unethical practices in the abortion industry to continue even while Roe v. Wade was still the law of the land. The author contends that silence and inaction by politicians and the media allowed Gosnell's crimes to go unchecked for over two decades.

Why it matters

The Gosnell case highlights how the political influence of pro-choice advocates can sometimes override concerns about women's health and safety, even in states where abortion remains legal. This raises questions about the ability of regulatory bodies to properly oversee the abortion industry and hold providers accountable, regardless of the legal status of abortion.

The details

Kermit Gosnell operated a filthy, unsanitary abortion clinic in West Philadelphia for over 20 years, despite numerous citations for health violations. He was eventually convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of three infants and involuntary manslaughter in the death of a pregnant woman. Gosnell was also convicted of 21 felony counts of illegal late-term abortion. However, the author argues that Gosnell was able to continue his 'murderous spree' for so long because pro-choice politicians in Pennsylvania refused to allow the state to shut down his clinic, fearing a backlash from the abortion rights lobby.

  • Gosnell operated his clinic for over two decades while Roe v. Wade was still the law of the land.
  • Gosnell was finally arrested, prosecuted and convicted in 2011.

The players

Kermit Gosnell

A Philadelphia abortionist who operated a filthy, unsanitary clinic for over 20 years and was convicted of murder and other crimes related to illegal late-term abortions and the deaths of infants and a pregnant woman.

Pennsylvania state legislators

State lawmakers who were intimidated by the pro-choice lobby and failed to pass reasonable regulations on abortion clinics, even after receiving numerous reports about Gosnell's dangerous practices.

Tom Corbett

The former Republican governor of Pennsylvania who signed into law a bill requiring abortion clinics to adhere to the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers, despite opposition from pro-choice advocates.

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What they’re saying

“Every other column from every other female columnist was about how the Trump administration was going to destroy our rights, even though Trump was already out of office by the time the landmark decision was decided.”

— Christine Flowers, Columnist

The takeaway

The Gosnell case demonstrates how the political influence of the pro-choice lobby can sometimes override concerns about women's health and safety, even in states where abortion remains legal. This raises questions about the ability of regulatory bodies to properly oversee the abortion industry and hold providers accountable, regardless of the legal status of abortion.