Those who describe themselves as “pro-life” and those who call themselves “pro-choice” rarely agree on much when it comes to the topic of abortion. Yet Gosnell appears to be the great unifier. I have heard nothing but condemnation of Gosnell from supporters of abortion rights, such as Planned Parenthood, and opponents including countless antiabortion groups. His case reinforces that as simplistic as the labels “pro-life” and “pro-choice” may sound, the realities surrounding abortion, and the circumstances that lead women to contemplate them are rarely simplistic at all. For this reason, Gosnell could prove to be a pivotal turning point and wake-up call in the American reproductive rights movement. …

While Planned Parenthood applauded the Gosnell verdict, and should be applauded for doing so, the real question becomes how it, and the rest of the reproductive rights movement, moves forward after Gosnell. If the Gosnell case is treated as merely an unfortunate blip, then the mainstream reproductive rights movement will risk becoming a relic of the past, out of touch with modern day feminists who embrace reproductive rights, as well as the grey area of what constitutes a life. But if these groups care about ensuring that reproductive rights continue to exist long after the name Kermit Gosnell has been forgotten, then it is essential that they acknowledge two things.