Cardinal O’Malley: Gosnell Convictions Draw Attention To Tragedy Of Abortion

WASHINGTON—Thechairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference ofCatholic Bishops called for reflection, greater respect for human life andhealing in the wake of the May 13 convictions of Dr. Kermit Gosnell ofPhiladelphia.

WASHINGTON—Thechairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference ofCatholic Bishops called for reflection, greater respect for human life andhealing in the wake of the May 13 convictions of Dr. Kermit Gosnell ofPhiladelphia.

“Dr. Gosnell’s trial broughtmuch-needed attention to the tragedy of abortion,” said Cardinal Seán O’Malley,OFM Cap., of Boston. “His murder convictions of newly delivered infants havecaused many people to reexamine their positions on abortion.”

Among Gosnell’s 237 convictions werethree counts of first-degree murder of infants born alive during attempted late-termabortions, one count of infanticide, and the involuntary manslaughter of apatient who died from complications of anesthesia administered by an unlicensednurse at his abortion clinic. He was also found guilty of conspiracy,performing abortions beyond the legal limit in Pennsylvania, and 208 violationsof the state’s informed consent law. On May 14, Gosnell was sentenced to lifein prison.

“In addition to the violence againstdefenseless unborn and newborn children, women’s lives were endangered by his unethicalpractices. I hope and pray that Dr. Gosnell will come to regret and repent forhis many crimes,” Cardinal O’Malley said. “Our nation needs great healing fromthe culture of death, of which this sad story is only one example. Let us prayfor the children who have been lost and the many mothers and families who silentlygrieve their loss. Our Lord longs to heal every person affected by thetragedy of abortion and other violence.”

More information on the Catholic Church’spastoral response to those who have been involved in abortion is available at HopeAfterAbortion.com. Moreinformation on nationwide efforts of prayer and fasting are available at www.usccb.org/fast.

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Keywords: USCCB, Catholic bishops, Cardinal O’Malley, Boston,Philadelphia, Committee on Pro-Life Activities, pro-life, Kermit Gosnell,abortion, late-term abortion, murder, infanticide, clinic safety, informedconsent, post-abortion healing

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