Kermit Gosnell, Convicted Abortion Doctor, Dies at 85

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Dr. Kermit Gosnell, an abortion doctor sentenced to life in prison for killing three babies born alive, died earlier this month at a Pennsylvania hospital. Gosnell's grimy West Philadelphia clinic became known as the "house of horrors" where he routinely performed illegal abortions past the state's 24-week limit and killed newborn infants by "snipping" their spines.

Why it matters

Gosnell's case highlighted the lack of oversight and regulation in some abortion clinics, as well as the ongoing debate over late-term abortions and the rights of infants born during attempted abortions. His conviction and life sentence brought national attention to the issue of illegal and unethical practices in the abortion industry.

The details

Former employees testified that Gosnell delivered babies who were still moving, whimpering or breathing, and that he and his assistants would kill the newborns by severing their spinal cords. Gosnell was convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of three infants and involuntary manslaughter in the death of a patient.

• Gosnell died on March 1, 2026 at a hospital outside the prison system.
• Gosnell had most recently been incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution-Smithfield, about 60 miles south of Pittsburgh.