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Ireland Promises 'Clarity' on Abortion After Woman's Death

Government to spell out when a woman's life takes precedence

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 15, 2012 11:44 AM CST

(Newser) – Ireland's government today promised to bring "legal clarity" to the nation's strict anti-abortion laws after an Indian woman's high-profile death, reports Reuters. Savita Halappanavar, 31, died of blood poisoning in a Galway hospital after doctors refused her request to terminate her failing pregnancy. They said they had no choice after detecting a faint fetal heartbeat, prompting widespread criticism at home and abroad.

"I don't think as a country we should allow a situation where women's rights are put at risk in this way," said the deputy prime minister. "We need to bring legal clarity to this issue and that is what we are going to do." In India, Halappanavar's mother called for quick change, reports the Irish Times. “In an attempt to save a four-month-old fetus they killed my …. daughter," she said. "How is that fair you tell me?"

Protesters gather outside Leinster House in Dublin  Wednesday, hoping posters of Savita Halappanavar.
Protesters gather outside Leinster House in Dublin Wednesday, hoping posters of Savita Halappanavar.   (AP Photo/ Julien Behal, PA)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 32 comments
marjorum
Nov 15, 2012 8:35 PM CST
How long are we going to allow religions to practice medicine?
793tango
Nov 15, 2012 4:57 PM CST
Just think, this is the kind of thing conservatives want to push on the US.
Fondue
Nov 15, 2012 1:08 PM CST
The legal clarity is this, Ireland. That hospital killed a healthy 31-year old woman.
 

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