Ireland abortion death inquiry

The Irish public health watchdog has announced it will investigate the death of Savita Halappanavar the 31-year-old dentist who died during a miscarriage, having been denied a termination.

The Irish Republic's health service is already conducting a clinical review into the case, but an independent health safety body will conduct a parallel inquiry.

Savita Halappanavar's husband Praveen has asked for a full, sworn public inquiry into her death.

Health officials in Ireland have conceded to demands and removed three consultants from a high level inquiry into the death of a pregnant Indian woman in hospital.

Praveen Halappanavar, whose wife Savita died in Galway University Hospital on 28 October after a miscarriage, had refused to co-operate unless the senior doctors were removed.

All three are employed by the west of Ireland hospital which caused fears of a conflict of interest.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny urged Mr Halappanavar to support the inquiry.

He said: "The three doctors will not be part of the investigation and therefore different personnel who are competent, who are experienced and who have no connection to Galway University Hospital will be appointed."

Fifty-three members of the European parliament have called on the Irish Government to legislate on abortion after a woman died after being refused an abortion.

Savita Halappanavar, 31, was 17 weeks pregnant when she died after suffering a miscarriage and septicaemia.

The letter was initiated by Irish MEP Paul Murphy and MEP Mikael Gustafsson, who is chair of the Women's Rights and Equality Committee.

Mr Murphy said:

"The breadth of support for this letter demonstrates the anger that exists around the world at the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar, a death that could have been avoided by legislation on abortion in Ireland. As 20,000 people demanded yesterday on the streets of Dublin - we need legislation now."

The father of Savita Halappanavar has urged Ireland's prime minister to change the country's abortion laws.

Andanappa Yalagi said altering the legislation would "save the lives of so many women in the future".

In an interview with the Observer, he directly addressed Taoiseach Enda Kenny, saying:

Mr Yalagi revealed that he is also considering legal action against the hospital.

Thousands of people have taken part in a protest march in Dublin to call for changes to abortion law after a woman died after being refused an abortion.

Savita Halappanavar, 31, was 17 weeks pregnant when she died after suffering a miscarriage and septicaemia.

A senior consultant said he believes there is no evidence of confusion within medical ranks in Ireland over whether or not a woman can have an abortion if her life is at risk.

The husband of Savita Halappanavar told Irish national broadcaster RTE his wife was experiencing a "normal pregnancy" and was "so excited about the birth" until the weekend of October 21, a week before she died on October 28.

The couple rushed to the hospital on Sunday morning as Savita was experiencing "acute pain".

After being examined and sent home the couple returned to hospital, Praveen Halappanavar left the room to allow his wife to be examined by a doctor.

In an interview with RTE Radio's News At One, he said:

The medical team told Praveen his wife was miscarrying and that it "would all be over in a few hours."

However, this did not happen, and Savita's condition deteriorated through the week.