14/11/2012

Health Minister Seeking Report Of Death Of Savita Halappanavar

An investigation has been launched after Savita Halappanavar, who was 17 weeks pregnant, died at University Hospital Galway following a miscarriage.

Minister for Health James Reilly has said he is seeking a report on the circumstances surrounding her death.

Mrs Halappanavar’s husband told the Irish Times that his wife had asked for a medical termination before she died on 28 October.

It is understood that the 31-year-old presented with back pain at the hospital on 21 October and was found to be miscarrying her baby.

Her family said she asked several times over a three-day period that the pregnancy be terminated.

It is reported that this was refused, because the foetal heartbeat was still present.

Dr Reilly described Ms Halappanavar's death as a terrible tragedy, and offered his sympathy to her family.

He said he was aware that Ms Halappanavar's death was being investigated by the Health Service Executive, and he had already spoken to his officials seeking a report.

Mr Reilly said a report from an expert group on abortion chaired by Judge Seán Ryan had been delivered to his department last night, and he would have to study that carefully before deciding on what steps to take next.

(H)

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