Ireland Abortion Issue

[GeoDerek]

Dire complications during a pregnancy in Ireland led the predominantly Catholic country to examine the issue of abortion in a terribly sad new light.

Our thoughts go out to Savita Halappanavar and her family.

Savita Halappanavar, a 31-year-old dentist, died last month after she began to miscarry her 17-week-old fetus. Doctors denied her an abortion, a procedure that is illegal in the predominantly Catholic country, because the fetus had a heartbeat.

Her husband... described how she asked several times over a three-day period that the pregnancy be terminated, given that she was in pain and was miscarrying. He said the request was refused by medical staff who said they could not do anything because there was still a foetal heartbeat. He said they were told that this was the law and that 'this is a Catholic country'.

"He said she spent more than three days 'in agony' until the foetal heartbeat stopped. The dead foetus was removed, but Ms Halappanavar's condition deteriorated and she died."

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way...omans-death-sparks-abortion-debate-in-ireland

Abortion is legal in Hong Kong, if performed by registered doctors in specific clinics or hospitals. The Family Planning Association has more info.

Should Ireland amend their laws to give the mother the right to decide whether or not to carry? Is religion a reasonable reference for modern medical procedures? What is your reaction to news like this?

 

[dressuphk]

very sorry to hear this... it's a reasonable thought that she want an abortion due to medical condition...