(2004-01-02) -- The National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) today called on a Phoenix, Arizona, judge to suspend the sentence of an abortion doctor who sexually assaulted his patients.

A jury today sentenced Dr. Brian Finkel to 34-3/4 years in prison after convicting him last month of 22 counts of sexual assault on his abortion clinic customers.

"This is cruel and unusual punishment," said NARAL President Kate Michelman. "Rather than confine this man behind bars with a bunch of brutal murderers where he cannot use his prodigious gifts and talents, Dr. Finkel should be returned to his practice to continue his service to the community."

In two decades of service, Dr. Finkel performed some 30,000 abortions. His crimes consisted of kissing and fondling his abortion patients against their will.

"We cannot condone the disgusting things Dr. Finkel did to women who trusted him," said Ms. Michelman, "However, we must consider the greater good of the community. If he is returned to his professional work, then ultimately it will reduce the number of women who might be victims of sexual assault by reducing the actual births of boys and girls who grow up to be sexual assailants and victims."

NARAL-funded studies show that unwanted fetuses, whose mothers fail to choose abortion, are more likely to become involved in sexual crimes as adults.

"If Dr. Finkel is able to prevent just one sexual assault by aborting the potential assailant or the victim," she said. "It will, in a sense, atone for his crimes against women."