Corbett Dismisses Staffers Following Abortion Facility Scandal

Gov. Tom Corbett said Tuesday he will not use a scandal at a Philadelphia abortion facility to press for legislation limiting access to abortion in Pennsylvania.

The governor, who is on-record as being pro-life, said his administration is currently investigating the failure of governmental oversight at the Women’s Medical Society in Philadelphia, which was operated by Dr. Kermit Gosnell. A grand jury report last month revealed horrific conditions at the facility, including unsanitary conditions, untrained staff and the deaths of patients. Dr. Gosnell and members of his staff have been charged with murder and other offenses related to their activities at the facility.

Mr. Corbett said he is authorizing new policies to better inspect and review similar facilities in Pennsylvania, but he will not seek legislative approval or further legislative action on the issue of abortion.

Gov. Tom Corbett

“This is not a pro-life, pro-choice issue. This is a public safety issue,” said Mr. Corbett. “It was a failure to act to protect the public safety when there was a serious surgical procedure taking place.”

Without making the policy changes permanent through the legislative process, the next governor could roll back the policies.

In response to the revelations about the Philadelphia abortion facility, state Sen. Don White (R-Indiana) introduced legislation to restrict access to abortion for women receiving medical assistance from the state. Similar legislation has also been introduced in Congress with the support of 10 members of the Pennsylvania delegation.

Mr. Corbett said he would not take a position on Mr. White’s legislation.

“I’ll make those decisions when it ends up on my desk,” said Mr. Corbett.

However, Mr. Corbett made it clear the lax approach towards regulations and inspections detailed in the grand jury presentment would not be allowed to continue. He said it was the responsibility of the state Department of Health and the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, a part of the Department of State, to oversee the operations of abortion centers throughout the state.

“People just did not do their jobs,” said Mr. Corbett. “The number one role of government is public safety, and that’s what this is about. If the legislature chooses to turn it into a law, then they will.”

Among a series of new policies, Mr. Corbett will order all facilities to be inspected annually and additional random inspections will take place. Inspection reports will be posted online.

As the result of an internal investigation, three employees of the state Department of Health and three at the state Department of State were dismissed by the Corbett Administration. Action is pending against another eight employees, Mr. Corbett said.

Among those dismissed was acting Secretary of Health Basil Marenda, who was appointed by former Gov. Ed Rendell and was only serving in the post until Mr. Corbett’s nominees for those positions are confirmed by the state Senate.