West Phila. Abortion Aide Describes Events Leading To 2009 Death of Patient
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A former worker in Dr. Kermit Gosnell's West Philadelphia abortion clinic says she repeatedly administered anesthesia to a woman who died during an abortion at the clinic in 2009.
Witness Lynda Williams, who has pleaded guilty to murder and other charges and is cooperating with prosecutors, today told the jury that despite her lack of any license or certification, she routinely did ultrasounds, placed IVs, and administered medicines, with little or no supervision.
Usually, she said, Dr. Gosnell was not there.
On the night patient Karnamaya Mongar died, Williams says, the doctor ordered three doses of meds by phone. Then, afraid to call him again because she thought he would get upset, she administered a fourth dose.
And then, shortly before the procedure, she says, Dr. Gosnell told Williams to "med her up," meaning more medications for the patient.
Mongar stopped breathing during the procedure. Authorities allege she died as a result of an overdose of Demerol.
Gosnell has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of murder: the death of Mongar and seven babies allegedly killed after being born alive and viable (see all related stories).
