The National Abortion Federation has suspended the membership of Atlantic Women's Medical Services following the investigation of Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia abortionist facing charges for the murders of seven babies and one woman.

The suspension, which had been recommended by the Philadelphia grand jury that investigated Gosnell, came following a Jan. 28 meeting of the executive committee of the NAF board of directors, a federation representative wrote in an e-mail.

The suspension applies to Atlantic's two clinics in Delaware as well as its affiliated clinics in Baton Rouge, La., according to the statement.

"As a result of this suspension, we will no longer be referring patients to these facilities," NAF President Vicki Saporta said. The suspension does not mean Atlantic has to close or stop offering client services.