17/04/2013
Halappanavar Inquest Hears Termination 'Was Warranted By Law'
A termination of Savita Halappanavar's pregnancy “was warranted by law” on the morning of Wednesday 24 October, an expert witness has told the inquest into her death.
Now in its sixth day the inquest hear from the National Maternity Hospital's clinical director, Dr Peter Boylan, who said it was his view that the 31-year-old would be alive today if a termination had been carried out earlier.
But he added that this was not a practical proposition because of the law.
Reviewing Mrs Halappanavar’s treatment, Dr Boylan told the jury the key question he looked at was whether at any point there was a real and substantial risk to the patient if her pregnancy was not terminated.
He said no such threat existed on 22 or 23 October - dates on which her husband Praveen said she requested a termination.
However, by 24 October, he said the rapid deterioration in Mrs Halappanavar's health meant that intervention was warranted and legally permissible.
He concluded that there had been deficiencies in the care provided at Galway University Hospital.
The inquest continues.
(H/CD)
Now in its sixth day the inquest hear from the National Maternity Hospital's clinical director, Dr Peter Boylan, who said it was his view that the 31-year-old would be alive today if a termination had been carried out earlier.
But he added that this was not a practical proposition because of the law.
Reviewing Mrs Halappanavar’s treatment, Dr Boylan told the jury the key question he looked at was whether at any point there was a real and substantial risk to the patient if her pregnancy was not terminated.
He said no such threat existed on 22 or 23 October - dates on which her husband Praveen said she requested a termination.
However, by 24 October, he said the rapid deterioration in Mrs Halappanavar's health meant that intervention was warranted and legally permissible.
He concluded that there had been deficiencies in the care provided at Galway University Hospital.
The inquest continues.
(H/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 January 2013
Savita Halappanavar Inquest Begins Today
Coroner Dr Ciaran McLoughlin will today lead the inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar, who died at Galway University Hospital on October 28 last year. Mrs Halappanavar was 17 weeks pregnant and having a miscarriage when she attended the hospital on October 21.
Savita Halappanavar Inquest Begins Today
Coroner Dr Ciaran McLoughlin will today lead the inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar, who died at Galway University Hospital on October 28 last year. Mrs Halappanavar was 17 weeks pregnant and having a miscarriage when she attended the hospital on October 21.
11 April 2013
Savita Midwife Admits 'Catholic Country' Comment
The inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar has heard from the midwife manager on St Monica's Ward at Galway University Hospital, Ann Maria Burke, who confirmed that she did say a termination could not be carried out because Ireland was a "Catholic country".
Savita Midwife Admits 'Catholic Country' Comment
The inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar has heard from the midwife manager on St Monica's Ward at Galway University Hospital, Ann Maria Burke, who confirmed that she did say a termination could not be carried out because Ireland was a "Catholic country".
09 April 2013
Midwives' Called To Give Evidence At Halappanavar Inquest
A midwife and student midwife, who have both given statements to the inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar, have been called to given evidence, in the interest of “completeness”. The coroner made the call following evidence that was heard about Mrs Halappanavar’s first day in hospital.
Midwives' Called To Give Evidence At Halappanavar Inquest
A midwife and student midwife, who have both given statements to the inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar, have been called to given evidence, in the interest of “completeness”. The coroner made the call following evidence that was heard about Mrs Halappanavar’s first day in hospital.
08 April 2013
Savita Halappanavar Inquest Begins
The inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar is to resume in Galway today. Savita, an Indian dentist, died from blood poisoning on 28 October last year after doctors at the University College Hospital Galway refused to terminate her 17-week long pregnancy.
Savita Halappanavar Inquest Begins
The inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar is to resume in Galway today. Savita, an Indian dentist, died from blood poisoning on 28 October last year after doctors at the University College Hospital Galway refused to terminate her 17-week long pregnancy.
18 April 2013
Savita Halappanavar Inquest Hears Post-Mortem Details
The inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar has heard details from her post-mortem, as the last witnesses gave their evidence. The cause of Mrs Halappanavar's death was recorded as septic shock, E coli in her bloodstream and a miscarriage at 17 weeks, pathologist Professor Grace Callagy told the inquest.
Savita Halappanavar Inquest Hears Post-Mortem Details
The inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar has heard details from her post-mortem, as the last witnesses gave their evidence. The cause of Mrs Halappanavar's death was recorded as septic shock, E coli in her bloodstream and a miscarriage at 17 weeks, pathologist Professor Grace Callagy told the inquest.