Ireland to allow abortion to save mother’s life

The Irish government on December 19 announced that it would bring in legislation to allow for abortion in cases where the mother’s life was at risk.

The decision follows widespread outrage over the death of Savita Halappanavar, a 31-year-old Indian-origin dentist, who died after being denied abortion by doctors at a government hospital despite repeated requests, though her life appeared to be at risk.

The move would also bring the Irish law in line with a ruling of the European Court of Human Rights, which held that it was in breach of the European Convention of Human Rights.

At present, abortion is illegal in Ireland except when the mother’s life, as distinct from health, is at risk. But a lack of clear guidelines has meant that doctors refuse it even in genuine cases.

The proposed legislation and a new regulatory regime will be based on the recommendations of an expert group set up to advise the government on how best to implement a 20-year-old Supreme Court judgment supporting abortion in life-threatening circumstances, including a risk of suicide.