While the death of Savita Halappanavar has shone a spotlight on Ireland’s abortion laws, this week’s inquest into the scandal has highlighted an equally worrying problem: A lack of communication between medics meant to ensure the health of the 31-year-old dentist.

A friend of Savita Halappanavar confirmed she was present when controversial and disputed remarks were made by a midwife about the inability to carry out a termination at Galway University Hospital because it was a Catholic country.