Gosnell Gives Up Right to Appeal, Spared Death Penalty

Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia abortionist who was found guilty Monday of three counts of first-degree murder, has agreed to give up his right to an appeal. His decision means that he will face life in prison but will be spared the death penalty.

Gosnell, 72, was found guilty for the murder of babies who were delivered alive during abortion procedures and then killed with scissors by “snipping” their spinal cords.

According to Fox News, prosecutors agreed to two life sentences without parole. Gosnell will now face sentencing Wednesday, as opposed to next week, when he could have been subjected to the death penalty.

Prosecutors also agreed to life sentences in prison because Gosnell’s advanced age made it unlikely he would be executed before his appeals ran out and he would die naturally beforehand.

Prior to the sentencing negotiation, Gosnell’s defense attorney, Jack McMahon, said that his client’s bid for acquittal was a battle.

“The media has been overwhelmingly against him,” McMahon said. “But I think the jury listened to the evidence… and they found what they found.”

According to Catholic publication Aleteia, several pro-life leaders called for prayers for Gosnell and asked that he not receive the death penalty. Human Life International Vice President for Missions Father Peter West said, “I also pray that after reflecting on his crimes, Kermit Gosnell comes to understand the horror of what he has done, repents of his sins, and asks for and accepts the mercy of God.”