Livestream Recap: Behind the doors of the Washington Surgi-Clinic
Recently Herb Geraghty and I livestreamed our discussion of the “all trimester” Washington Surgi-Clinic in Washington, D.C.
As of the writing of this post (mid-September, 2025), the clinic has apparently ceased doing abortions. DC Health told Live Action that the clinic’s license expired in mid-August and wasn’t renewed, although clinic staff have apparently said they hope to resume abortions later this month.
Herb and I each have direct experiences with the Surgi clinic, which we talked more about in the livestream. You can listen to or watch the replay here:
Or, if you prefer, here is a summary of our conversation.
Key Takeaways
- Later abortions, including procedures after the fetus is viable, do happen in the United States for non-medical reasons.
- Accountability for abortion providers is minimal, even in cases of alleged malpractice, patient deaths, or suggestions of possible federal law violations. Political pressure and ideological commitments often shield clinics from investigation.
- There is a stark contrast between the public’s perception of later abortion and the reality.
See many sources at secularprolife.org/laterabortion
Summary
Abortions after 21 weeks, and even after viability (approximately 24 weeks), are often misrepresented. While major cultural voices claim such abortions are usually or always for dire medial reasons, research and testimonies—including my own undercover visit at 28 weeks—demonstrate this is not the case. When I went for my abortion appointment at the Surgi clinic, staff never asked why I wanted an abortion, didn’t screen me for domestic violence or mental health concerns, and would not let me speak to the doctor who’d be performing the abortion until I first had Xanax in my system.
Herb reviewed his involvement in a 2020 rescue action at the clinic, explaining why activists chose the Surgi clinic in particular. He described concerns that the Surgi clinic’s abortion methods increase the odds of premature children being born alive. Herb described how, in previous undercover videos, abortion provider Cesare Santangelo seemed to suggest if a baby were to be born alive, the clinic would not attempt live-saving or live-sustaining measures. Herb also referenced the Justice for the Five case, where remains of five very developed children (perhaps as much as 32 weeks) from the Surgi clinic were obtained by pro-life activists. We talked about the Five as a chilling example of the lack of oversight and accountability surrounding Surgi clinic.
We finished the discussion with a reflection on the disconnect between the general public’s perception versus the in-clinic reality. Many moderate pro-choicers believe comforting myths about later abortion, whereas abortion providers themselves admit that elective abortions happen past viability.
Herb and I urged listeners that—whatever their stance on abortion—they should be able to acknowledge this reality honestly. Elective abortions of viable, healthy children deserve far more public scrutiny—and far more outrage.
Related Videos
- Undercover Footage From DC Abortion Facility (Live Action)
- Undercover at an Abortion Clinic While 28-Weeks Pregnant (Equal Rights Institute)
- The Five Bodies of Aborted Fetuses Found in DC: What We Know and How to Respond (Equal Rights Institute)
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