gosnell statement 05132013
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The Kermit Gosnell Verdict: Implications for Pro-Life Lutheran Christians
A statement by LCMS Li fe Min istries
May 13, 2013
After a nine-week trial, which included weeks of graphic testimony, a Pennsylvania jury found
Dr. Kermit Gosnell guilty of three of four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of babies who were
born alive, but who died after their spinal cords were severed in procedures Gosnell called abortions.
He was acquitted on the fourth murder charge. Gosnell also was convicted of involuntary manslaughter
in the botched abortion death of one mother. He faced 258 counts total, including 24 counts of
performing abortions after 24 weeks gestation, which is illegal in Pennsylvania, and hundreds of charges
of violating Pennsylvanias informed consent and 24-hour waiting period laws. The jury is now in the
penalty phase.
Gosnells murder trial became the subject of much debate nationally afterpro-life activists and
others criticized the mainstream media for ignoring the trial early on.
As pro-life Christians devoted to the biblical understanding of the sanctity of human life, we
grieve over the tragic loss of these lives and the thousands of other children and mothers who die daily
as a result of abortion. Todays conviction of Gosnell brings justice for the many victims of this horrific
abortion facility and demonstrates that abortion is clearly a slippery slope that seeks to deprive the most
helpless of their basic human right: life.
The LCMS develops and promotes resources and support for pregnant women so they can avoidseeking abortions. Abortion doesnt solve but only masksproblems many women face and leaves
many of them grieving the death of a child.
The Gosnell case generated a larger debate and rightly caused people to consider the
philosophical issue of why an abortion procedure performed in utero is legal, but also how a similar act
a few minutes later, outside the womb, is considered homicide.
Clearly, the case was about the death of five persons and no one can argue against the
personhood of these four smaller humans. This case has exposed the ugly underbelly of the pro-abortion
movement and it has brought the humanity of unborn children before the public conscience.
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We call upon legislators and citizens to examine the brutality of abortion, which takes the lives
of 1.2 million children every year, and the mothers who die as well. (The Center for Disease Control
reports that about 400 women have died as a result of legal abortions since 1973, and 12 died in 2008,
the last time such research was gathered.)
Our church aims to be a place of forgiveness, mercy and healing for all people as we continue to
proclaim Christs comfort and truth in love. As we move forward following this ruling, we offer up our
prayers for women and children in need, for families, that those still participating in the abortion
industry would stop, and for our nation.
Additional Information
LCMS media critic helps spotlight lack of abortion trial coverage LCMS Life Ministries
For more information, contact:
Maggie Karner, director, Life Ministries
The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod
888-THE LCMS (843-5267)
http://blogs.lcms.org/2013/media-critic-spotlights-abortion-trialhttp://blogs.lcms.org/2013/media-critic-spotlights-abortion-trialhttp://www.lcms.org/lifemailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.lcms.org/lifehttp://blogs.lcms.org/2013/media-critic-spotlights-abortion-trial