Group Nearing Fundraising Deadline For Movie About West Phila. Abortionist
By Melony Roy
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The gruesome story of West Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has attracted the attention of Hollywood. Three filmmakers launched one of the largest online crowdsourcing campaigns, and today is the last day for donations.
Even though today is the last day to donate to the Gosnell movie campaign, the filmmakers behind the project say they still need the public's support.
"The more money we have, the better the music, the better actors we'll have, the better director we'll have, the better screenwriter we'll have," says filmmaker Ann McIlhenny, "so we still need money and we need as much money as possible."
The filmmakers behind the crowdfunding effort made history on Friday when they reached their $2.1-million goal, becoming the largest project in terms of donors and donations.
And McIlhenny (at right in photo) says donors have come from both sides of the abortion debate.
"Some people certainly have identified themselves as pro-life," she tells KYW Newsradio. "I know one of our biggest donors identifies herself as pro-choice, and I have spoken to her. So we've had a lot of people from a lot of different angles"
McIlhenny says this is not a pro-life or a pro-choice movie.
"It's a crime story, I think," she says. "Really, our interest is very much that -- it's a massive crime story."
Full Coverage of Dr. Kermit Gosnell Case
Gosnell was convicted of killing three viable newborns and is now serving three life prison sentences (see related story). His West Philadelphia abortion clinic was described in nightmarish terms. Clinic workers described the execution of live, newborn fetuses using scissors and other implements (see related story).
For more information about the movie project, visit gosnellmovie.com. You can donate until 3am Eastern time Tuesday (12 midnight Pacific).
