Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia abortion doctor convicted of murdering infants born alive, has died at age 85.
The New York Post reported that Pennsylvania Department of Corrections spokesperson Maria Bivens said Gosnell died March 1 at a hospital outside the prison system.
No cause of death was disclosed.
Gosnell had been serving a life sentence after his 2013 conviction on three counts of first-degree murder, along with involuntary manslaughter in the death of a patient at his West Philadelphia clinic.
The case drew national attention and became a focal point in the debate over abortion in the United States.
Prosecutors said Gosnell performed late-term abortions after Pennsylvania's legal limit and was responsible for the deaths of infants born alive during those procedures.
A 2011 grand jury report described shoddy conditions at the clinic and outlined allegations of unsafe medical practices and exploitation of vulnerable patients.
Investigators initially discovered conditions at the clinic in a 2010 review of prescription drug activity, which led to the expanded inquiry into Gosnell's activities.
In addition to the murder convictions, Gosnell pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the illegal distribution of prescription drugs, including oxycodone.
The case also prompted scrutiny of state oversight, with investigators finding that abortion clinics had not been routinely inspected for years before the investigation.
After the case, Pennsylvania implemented stricter regulations and oversight requirements for abortion clinics.
Gosnell remained in prison until his death.
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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