The murder trial of Philadelphia abortion provider Kermit Gosnell, accused of killing a female patient and seven babies, enters its second month on Monday as more media outlets begin covering the trial.
Gosnell, 72, is accused of performing illegal, late-term abortions and running a dangerously outdated clinic staffed by untrained workers at his clinic in West Philadelphia. Prosecutors contend he made millions, relying on untrained, low-paid staff. They also said about $250,000 in cash at his home in a low-income section of Philadelphia after a 2010 raid of his nearby clinic.
Dr Gosnell faces the death penalty if convicted.
The trial has so far involved four weeks of presentation of evidence by the prosecution. It is unclear if Dr Gosnell will testify when the defence begins presenting their case. His lawyer, Jack McMahon, has attempted to discredit prosecution witnesses.
Another former employee, Ashley Baldwin, said she had begun assisting with abortions, including administering drugs shortly after she started working there, aged 15, through a training program.
According to the Associated Press, former employees describe doing ultrasounds, giving intravenous drugs and helping with abortions, even though they lacked medical training or certification. An unlicensed doctor Stephen Massof testified that Gosnell taught him to cut the necks of babies after they were born to ensure the babies died. He has pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree murder.
The trial is expected to last another month.
