Latest update: 19/11/2012 

- abortion - demonstrations - hospital - illegal - Ireland


Could an 'illegal' abortion have saved Savita's life?

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The death of a pregnant woman has sparked a new debate on abortion in Ireland. Savita Halappanavar died from septicaemia in a Galway hospital on October 28th. Her husband alleges that having been told that she was having a miscarriage, and in severe pain, Savita asked for a termination. But she was refused the procedure, because abortion is illegal under Irish law. There has been intense reaction in Ireland, with vigils in memory of Savita.

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