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Prosecutors Prepare For Abortion Doctor Gosnell's Upcoming Trial

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Prosecutors preparing to try a Philadelphia abortion doctor charged with killing a patient and seven babies want the jury to hear evidence he allegedly ran a pill mill and let unskilled workers practice medicine.

Dr. Kermit Gosnell's lawyer hopes to keep any such evidence out of his March murder trial.

Gosnell first goes on trial next month on federal drug charges, which allege he distributed painkillers like candy at his West Philadelphia clinic.

Prosecutors say in a recent motion that breaking the law was "standard operating procedure." They say the deaths were no accident but the result of dangerous medical practices that went on for decades.

At a hearing Monday, a judge set pretrial arguments for Oct. 29. Gosnell is charged with killing babies born alive. He's pleaded not guilty.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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