More guilty pleas in Philly abortion clinic probe

    Two workers pleaded guilty Thursday in the continuing investigation of a West Philadelphia abortion clinic where prosecutors say seven babies were delivered alive, and then killed.

    Sherry West of Newark, Delaware, admitted to third-degree murder and delivering a drug that resulted in the 2009 death of a patient.

    West’s attorney Michael Wallace said his client is “relieved” to take responsibility in the overdose death, but says West got “caught up” before it dawned on her what was going on at the clinic.

    “She was involved because she was on duty along with several other people. The extent of her involvement is still subject to debate depending on your point of view,” said Wallace. “You’re going to hear a lot of back on forth on whether it was Demerol that killed ’em, and I’ll leave that up to the experts.”

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    The 41-year-old patient died after receiving pain killers at the clinic run by Dr. Kermit Gosnell. Wallace said his client accompanied the patient to the emergency room that day in 2009.

    Prosecutors say Gosnell ran a “filthy” facility. He is facing murder charges in the death of seven infants.

    Wallace said his client may testify in the case against Gosnell, who was not a certified obstetrician-gynecologist .

    Clinic worker Adrienne Moton, 34, admitted to four charges–including third-degree murder and participation in a corrupt organization. During her hearing, Moton seemed confused when a Philadelphia district attorney asked her to reaffirm that she killed the victim called “Baby D.”

    After consulting with her attorney, Moton pleaded guilty to that charge–and three others.

    Both women could get more than 100 years in prison if they receive the maximum possible sentences.

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