Defense in Gosnell trial postponed

    The murder trial of West Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was postponed today. Defense attorney Jack McMahon is ill.

    Court watchers will have to wait to hear McMahon’s opening defense of Gosnell.

    The 72-year-old owner of the now closed Women’s Medical Society clinic on Lancaster Avenue is charged with seven counts of first-degree murder for babies allegedly born alive. He’s also accused of third-degree murder in the death of a patient.

    The case is drawing interest from far beyond Philadelphia. A small group of anti-abortion activists travelled from Virginia today, and members said they were disappointed about the delay.

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    After five weeks, the prosecutors rested their case last week, ending with graphic testimony from clinic medical assistant Kareema Cross.

    Under questioning from Assistant District Attorney Joanne Pescatore, Cross revealed that she had an abortion while she was working for Gosnell, but decided not to have the procedure at her own workplace.

    “It was filthy there, I just couldn’t do it,” Cross said on the stand.

    The defense case is set to begin when the trial resumes.

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