I will never forget where I was when I first learned about West Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell.

 

 

Gosnell’s name had hit the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper in a story about an investigation into the abortionist’s pill mill operation. As soon as I read the article, I instinctively knew the ramifications of Gosnell’s crime spree would be long-lasting. I printed the article and placed it on our Executive Director’s chair so that he would see it as soon as he walked into his office.

 

 

At that time, I was serving as Education Director for the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, the Keystone State affiliate of National Right to Life. It was my job to educate the public about the horrors of abortion, the help available to pregnant women facing difficult circumstances, and the threats of infanticide and euthanasia, which continued to plague the Commonwealth.

 

 

Over the next few years, I would become well-versed in all things Gosnell. His violence deeply disturbed me and awakened in me a new resolve to combat the tragedy of abortion in Pennsylvania.

 

 

Recently, the world learned of the death of Gosnell behind prison walls. He perished at the age of 85. I have seen no published reports indicating repentance on his part. So, it is fitting that we re-examine the lessons learned from his notorious case.

 

 

Lesson #1—Abortion Centers Must be Held Accountable

 

The grand jury believed that Gosnell had killed hundreds of newborn babies and caused the deaths of countless women in his House of Horrors abortion facility. Yet, prosecutors could bring charges in only a handful of cases because Gosnell destroyed so many records. His abortion center had not been inspected in 17 years. Imagine patronizing a restaurant that had not been subject to safety inspections in nearly two decades. It is inconceivable.

 

 

As a result of the Gosnell scandal, the Pennsylvania legislature passed, and then-Governor Tom Corbett signed into law an abortion center regulation measure. The law requires abortion facilities to meet basic health and safety standards and to be subject to regular inspections. Prior to the law taking effect, hair and nail salons received greater scrutiny than abortion operations.

 

 

A number of abortion facilities in Pennsylvania closed their doors because they either could not or would not meet the safety requirements mandated by the law.

 

 

Lesson #2--We Cannot Depend on the Mainstream Media

 

One now-famous photo from the Gosnell trial showed the empty media section, demonstrating the press’ disinterest in a case they believed threatened “abortion rights.” Eventually, a number of news operations were shamed into covering the proceedings, but, to this day, many people are unaware that Gosnell may have been America’s most prolific serial killer.

 

 

While we cannot depend on the mainstream media to initiate investigative reports about the abortion industry, it is important for advocates for life to continue to engage with journalists. For instance, during a routine check of abortion facility inspection reports, I found that the Hillcrest abortion center in Harrisburg, PA had accumulated 46 pages worth of health and safety violations. I alerted a local TV reporter who was accustomed to doing reports on restaurant safety inspections. Her report on Hillcrest helped trigger a series of events that led to the facility surrendering its license to perform abortions. Such victories are possible if we remain vigilant and continue to work to educate the media about threats to innocent human life.

 

 

Lesson #3—Abortion Centers Continue to Violate the Law   

 

In the aftermath of the news that Gosnell had died came revelations of continued health and safety violations at a Philadelphia abortion facility.

 

 

The embattled Philadelphia Women’s Center, not to be confused with Gosnell’s Women’s Medical Society, which was shut down, has once again failed inspection. The building inspection, which occurred on January 13th, contains a laundry list of hazards–from a fire alarm system that was not properly installed to a sprinkler system that had not been sufficiently maintained and tested. The high-volume abortion facility has been failing inspection for years, yet continues to remain in operation.

 

 

This sad state of affairs demonstrates the failures of the Shapiro Administration to safeguard and protect women’s health at Pennsylvania abortion centers. The Philadelphia case shows that women’s health and safety continue to be compromised at Pennsylvania abortion operations.

 

 

Lesson #4—Elections Have Consequences

 

The election of pro-abortion Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro has been a setback for progress on the pro-life front. Shapiro routinely tweets about his commitment to abortion on demand. He also cut off funding for pregnant women and their babies when he ended the Commonwealth’s contract with Real Alternatives, an award-winning organization funding pregnancy resource centers throughout PA.

 

 

Pregnancy centers remain the best line of defense against future Gosnells. The compassionate care and support they offer are in marked contrast to the lack of life-affirming resources available at abortion facilities.

 

 

Let us never forget the crimes of Kermit Gosnell and the horrific suffering of his victims. And let us vow to do

what is ever legally and peacefully possible to prevent would-be Gosnells from setting up shop in our states.