The Prime Minster of Ireland said on November 16, 2012 that he will not rush into making a decision on the issue of abortion in the country. Savita Halappanavar was refused an abortion and died on October 28, 2012 due to blood poisoning in a hospital in Ireland.
The 31-year-old Indian woman was denied the termination of her pregnancy, as hospital staff cited that the laws of the country did not allow abortions if a foetal heart beat is detected. Savita was 17 months pregnant at the time. Enda Kenny, the Prime Minster of Ireland said, “This is a matter that has divided Irish society now for a great number of years and I am not going to be rushed into a situation by force of numbers on any side”.
The Irish government however, had assured its people on November 15, 2012 that it would clarify its abortion laws. After the unfortunate death of Savita Halappanavar, a wave of protests have taken place across the country in recent days. Savita died of septicemia after a miscarriage in the 17th week of her pregnancy.
Kenny said that this is something which has to be dealt with rationally and openly and that is what will happen. This week, a delayed expert report on abortion was submitted to the Health Ministry and will be published after being discussed by the government.
