An abortion doctor was sentenced Friday to nearly 35 years in prison for sexually abusing more than a dozen patients during examinations.

Dr. Brian Finkel, 64, was convicted last month on 22 counts of sexual abuse and acquitted on 34 other abuse charges. More than 30 women testified at his trial that Finkel groped them and inappropriately touched them.

Finkel cited his brusque manner as the reason for his conviction and said his patients "mistook his good intentions for malevolent ones."

"I'm sorry if I hurt their feelings ... I know I'm not Marcus Welby," Finkel said in court.

Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Cates told Finkel that his conviction for abusing 13 different women between 1986 and 2001 "was not because of your demeanor but because you committed the crimes."

Finkel's lawyer, Richard Gierloff, said he intends to appeal.

It's estimated Finkel performed 20 percent of all abortions in the Phoenix area. He was an outspoken advocate for abortion rights and wore a gun to protect himself.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Lifestyle News
+Virus variation found in suspected SARS case ( 2004-01-02) +Gene test for SARS unclear ( 2004-01-02) +Negligence blamed for gas blowout ( 2004-01-02) +Banks launch credit card ( 2004-01-02) +Koizumi's shrine visit provokes indignation in China ( 2004-01-02)		+Abortion doctor sentenced for abuse ( 2004-01-03) +Irwin takes baby to crocodile feeding ( 2004-01-03) +Marilyn Monroe's first husband recounts romance ( 2004-01-02) +People of 2003,an event-packed year ( 2004-01-02) +Teens in Shanghai ambitious, worry about careers ( 2004-01-02)