Gosnell jury selection to begin

    The trial of West Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell is expected to start Monday with jury selection at the Criminal Justice Center.

    Gosnell has been held without bail since January of 2011. He faces seven counts of first-degree murder after allegedly killing viable newborn babies in his clinic.

    He also faces one count of third-degree murder in the death of for a woman who received too much anesthesia.

    Prosecutors have said they are considering pushing for the death penalty if Gosnell is convicted.

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    The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Gosnell was in court last week, apparently to hear a potential plea bargain offer. Lawyers on both sides refused to comment for the story because the case is under a gag order.

    Eight of nine employees of the Women’s Medical Society clinic charged along with Gosnell have pleaded guilty, including Gosnell’s wife, Pearl.

    They won’t face sentencing until after Gosnell’s trial is over.

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