Here’s an update on the Gosnell trial. From LifeNews

“The jury in the Kermit Gosnell murder trial deliberated for a second day today and ended the day with no verdict. However, member of the jury actively informed themselves of laws that are applicable to the case and asked for information and assistance from the judge.”

“Under Pennsylvania law, all 12 of the jurors must reach a unanimous verdict on any of the murder counts Gosnell faces for him to be convicted on any of them. Each of the elements of a charged crime must be proven to each juror beyond reasonable doubt for that juror to vote to convict on that count and one reluctant juror could lead to a mistrial on any of the first-degree murder charges.

Since prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty in the case, the jury will only be deciding whether Gosnell is guilty related to the charges. If convicted, a second jury will be impaneled to determine sentencing under the penalty phase of the trial. During this phase, the judge has already instructed jurors to only consider guilt or innocence.

Given the number of charges Gosnell faces, and the fact that Gosnell has a co-defendant the jury is considering for conviction as well, the jury make take a longer period of time to arrive at a verdict on each of the 250-plus charges.”

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According to this report Gosnell has been placed into solitary confinement for his own protection. It seems some prisoners frown on his methods. From LifeNews 

“He is currently in solitary confinement pending the verdict and his expected sentencing. That’s because, according to one local reporter in Philadelphia, fellow prisoners don’t take his crimes of killing babies in infanticides too kindly.”

“Should Gosnell be convicted and face a prison term, he would likely remain in solitary or in a sensitive needs population for the duration of his time in prison term.”

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This next one is heartbreaking. It sounds like this woman regrets her decision to abort, and her selection of Gosnell to do it.

CONTENT WARNING!!!  because some of her child’s remains were among the trophies he kept in his office, and it’s hard to read.  From LifeSiteNews

“When 20-year-old Desiree Hawkins was contacted by a Drug Enforcement agent this year, she was completely unprepared for what she had to tell her: that the abortionist she had visited in 2009 for a traumatic abortion had kept the severed feet of her unborn baby in a jar in his clinic.”

“Hawkins was slated to testify in rebuttal against Gosnell during his recently concluded trial. But because Gosnell never took the stand, Hawkins never had the chance to tell the jury her story. But that doesn’t mean she is remaining silent.

In a video released this week by the creators of the documentary 3801 Lancaster, Desiree and her mother are sharing the details of Desiree’s nightmare experience at Gosnell’s clinic, and their repentance for their part they each played in the death of Desiree’s unborn child.”

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While the FDA may have approved over the counter sales of the morning after pill to girls as young as 15, the American College of Pediatricians continues to oppose the move. From LifeSiteNews

“The American College of Pediatricians continues to oppose the over-the-counter distribution of “emergency contraceptive” medication to children as recently mandated by the court and approved by the FDA.

The potency of these medications demands physician oversight, and equally important their over-the-counter availability circumvents parental involvement and may facilitate adolescent abuse. Health professionals need to encourage good parent-child communication, teach minors the benefits of delaying sexual activity until marriage, and teach them how to avoid situations resulting in coerced sex and premature/promiscuous consensual sex.

Increased access to “emergency contraception” (EC) does not result in lower pregnancy rates among adolescents and young adults, while it is associated with an increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Despite self-reports denying it, “ready access” to EC appears to increase adolescent sexual activity. Increased sexual activity is a known risk factor for depression, suicide, poor school performance, more lifetime sexual partners, and an increased divorce rate.”

The full statement from the ACP is here.

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