The Pro-Life Campaign (PLC) has said that it is “deplorable” that the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar is being used to promote a change in abortion legislation, and that Medical Council Guidelines are clear that women in pregnancy must be given all necessary medical treatment.
Mrs Halappanavar, who was 17 weeks pregnant, died of septicaemia in University College Hospital, Galway following a miscarriage.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the husband and family of Mrs Savita Halappanavar," said Dr Ruth Cullen of the Pro Life Campaign.
“It is deplorable that those who want to see abortion available here are exploiting Mrs Halappanavar’s tragic death when the Medical Council Guidelines are very clear that all necessary medical treatment must be given to women in pregnancy. Given this, we welcome the fact that a thorough investigation to establish what went wrong is taking place.
“It is also vitally important to acknowledge at this time that Ireland, without induced abortion, is recognised by the UN and World Health Organisation as a world leader in protecting women in pregnancy and is safer than places like Britain and Holland where abortion is widely available,” she said.