Pennsylvania Lawmakers Hold Hearings On West Philly Abortion Doctor Scandal
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Two Pennsylvania state senate committees today began a series of hearings on the horrors at a West Philadelphia abortion clinic by hearing from prosecutors involved in the case.
Philadelphia DA Seth Williams (at right in photo) and his prosecutors described to the committees in graphic, extensive detail the horrors at the abortion clinic of Dr. Kermit Gosnell (see related story) and the litany of opportunities that two state agencies had to either respond to complaints or to act on information but failed or chose not to do so (another related story).
Lawmakers heard of the cavalier attitude displayed by some state employees during the investigation.
Assistant Philadelphia DA Christine Wechsler spoke of the grand jury appearance by a top state attorney.
"When she addressed the grand jury (she) made a very almost arrogant remark that was dismissive of the import of the situation when she said to the grand jury, 'Well, people die,' " Wechsler recalled, "and the grand jury had serious problems with that."
Dr. Gosnell, who ran the abortion clinic, is now charged with eight counts of murder.
The chairs of the two state senate committees who conducted this first hearing now say they will hold further proceedings separately and will use their subpoena power to compel witnesses to testify if necessary.
Reported by Harrisburg Bureau chief Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060.
