Woman Denied Abortion Dies

An Irish woman who was refused an abortion has died as a result of severe pregnancy complications. Savita Halappanavar, who was 17 weeks pregnant, was admitted to University Hospital in Galway, where she was found to be miscarrying.

The Guardian:

After the 31-year-old dentist was told that she was miscarrying, her husband reportedly said that she had asked for a medical termination a number of times over a three day period, during which she was in severe pain.

But he said these requests were denied because a foetal heartbeat was still present and they were told at one point: “This is a Catholic country.”

Medical staff removed the dead foetus days later after the heartbeat stopped but Halappanavar died of septicaemia on 28 October.

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Ireland health authorities are investigating Halappanavar’s death.

—Posted by Tracy Bloom.