Kermit Gosnell Update: Convicted Phila. abortion clinic worker freed, sent home; sentencing for two more delayed
(CBS/AP) PHILADELPHIA - Sentencing was postponed Wednesday for two women who pleaded guilty for their work at a corrupt, grimy Philadelphia abortion clinic whose owner, Dr. Kermit Gosnell, was convicted of killing babies born alive.
Adrienne Moton, another clinic worker who pleaded guilty, was released after 28 months in prison and sent home by a judge.
The judge rescheduled the sentencing date for Sherry West, 53, and Tina Baldwin, 47, because both women still have unresolved federal drug charges pending.
West was convicted of third-degree murder. Baldwin pleaded guilty to racketeering, conspiracy, and corrupting a minor - her daughter, who also worked at Dr. Kermit Gosnell's clinic. West and Baldwin are now scheduled to be sentenced June 24.
Moton, 36, who had pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and other charges stemming from her work at the abortion clinic, was sent home by Common Pleas Judge Benjamin Lerne, who said she had shown remorse for her crimes.
In an emotionally wrought statement, Moton told the court she thought she was helping women but never thought about the babies at Dr. Kermit Gosnell's clinic.
Gosnell, 72, was convicted this month of three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of three infants, and involuntary manslaughter in the death of patient Karnamaya Mongar, who was given a fatal overdose of painkillers.
Gosnell routinely performed illegal abortions past Pennsylvania's 24-week limit, delivered babies who were still moving, whimpering or breathing, and he and his assistants dispatched the newborns by "snipping" their spines, as he referred to it, former clinic employees testified at his trial.
The case became a flashpoint in the nation's polarized abortion debate. Foes said it exposed the true nature of abortion in all its disturbing detail. Abortion rights activists warned that Gosnell's practice foreshadows what women could face if abortion is driven underground with more restrictive laws.
Also scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday was Gosnell's wife, Pearl, 51, who has spent two years on house arrest and could be sent to prison for racketeering and performing an illegal abortion. She feels she's left "holding the bag" after her husband shamed the family, turned down a plea deal that would have kept her out of prison, and refused to speak at his trial, her lawyer said Tuesday.
"You can tell from the arrogance that he displayed - turning down the deal, as well as refusing to speak - he's left her holding the bag in terms of talking to the public and apologizing," defense lawyer Michael Medway told The Associated Press.
"Her name is still Gosnell, unfortunately," he added. "I guess it's like being Mrs. Frankenstein."
Complete coverage of the Kermit Gosnell murder trial on Crimesider