Philadelphia abortion trial nears closing arguments
Doctor won’t testify in trial where he’s accused of killing woman, babies
PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia jury won’t hear from an abortion provider before they weigh charges he killed a woman and four babies.
Dr. Kermit Gosnell has decided not to testify or call witnesses at his capital murder trial.
The jury is set to hear closing arguments on Monday.
The 72-year-old Gosnell is charged with killing babies born alive at his West Philadelphia clinic.
The deliberations will begin after the trial judge this week dismissed charges involving three other babies.
Judge Jeffrey Minehart apparently believes the prosecution did not present sufficient evidence that they were viable, born alive and then killed.
Gosnell also is charged in the 2009 overdose death of a 41-year-old abortion patient.
Former employees have testified that Gosnell relied on untrained staff to sedate and monitor women as they waited for abortions.