Still no explanation for Irish woman's death, as pressure mounts to end abortion ban
November 26, 2012
As Ireland awaits the results of an official inquiry into the death of Savita Halappanavar, staff members at the Galway hospital where she died report that they are “mystified” by her death and by the reports that she was denied an abortion.
Galway University Hospital staff members say that there is no record of a request for an abortion in the Halappanavar case. And the hospital’s Catholic chaplain reports that doctors there were clearly committed to saving the life of any mother in a difficult pregnancy. "The only ethos I have ever witnessed in the labor unit of Galway hospital is that the mother's life always comes first,” said Father David Cribbin.
The death of Savita Halappanavar has roused new calls for legal abortion in Ireland. The official panel investigating the incident is reportedly weighing its own recommendation that Ireland should end its ban on abortion. But the cause of the young woman’s death has not yet been established.
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Further information:
- Hospital staff 'mystified' at tragedy (Irish Independent)
- A rush to judgment is no basis for legalising abortion (Irish Times)
- Savita tragedy shouldn’t be misused (Irish Catholic)
- President's comments were 'reflective and humane' - Minister Joan Burton (RTE)
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