Savita’s family request medical records
The widower’s solicitor, Gerard O’Donnell, told the Irish Examiner that Mr Halappanavar had agreed to the move to prevent a HSE inquiry into his wife’s death on Oct 28 at University Hospital Galway following a miscarriage. Mr O’Donnell said if they were successful in securing the medical documents, it would render the HSE’s inquiry “completely defunct”.
The solicitor said it was his understanding, based on previous cases, that the HSE must comply with this request to hand over the files and delete any copies from the system. If it does not, he said he will file a complaint to the Data Protection Commissioner and, if necessary, a High Court injunction to “restrain” any further access of the inquiry to the files.
He criticised Taoiseach Enda Kenny for saying the widower should meet the chairman of the HSE’s inquiry “without prejudice” as this would be “in the interest of his own family’s tragedy”.
“His wife died in the care of the HSE,” Mr O’Donnell said of his client.
“He doesn’t think it’s appropriate nor does his family think it’s appropriate that the HSE should investigate it. They are the ones who are being investigated, so they should not investigate this.”
Mr O’Donnell did not, however, rule out the possibility of his client co-operating with a Hiqa. He wants any inquiry to be fully independent.
Last night on RTÉ’s Prime Time, Mr Halappanavar spoke in detail of the trauma he and his wife went through, first with the loss of their child and how Savita’s condition suddenly and rapidly went downhill.
He spoke of his wife’s distress when it became clear the baby would not survive.
“They said ‘sorry the foetus is still alive so we can’t do anything’. Savita said ‘No, I can’t take it. Please terminate’.”
“We were waiting for the doctor to come back to us on the termination.. The doctor came for morning rounds at around 10.30am along with two other junior doctors, a midwife nurse and also we had a close friend visiting us in the room.
“As soon as Savita saw the doctor, she was anxious to know what was the response feedback. The doctor said: ‘Unfortunately the foetus is still alive and it is a Catholic country and we won’t be able to terminate.’ That is what the doctor said. Savita was insisting she is not a Catholic and she is not Irish either so why impose the law on her?”
Asked if he believed a termination would have saved his wife’s life, he replied: “Of course, yes.”
Later in the interview he said: “I think you need balance, look at the bigger life. She could have had more babies.... She will rest in peace if justice is done and the law is amended.”
* President Michael D Higgins has waded into the inquiry row, saying he wanted an investigation that “meets the needs of the family” as well as the public and the State.
His comments could spark a row between the Government and the Áras, as presidents by protocol refrain from commenting on political controversies.
Spokespersons for the Taoiseach and Tánaiste refused to comment.
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil health spokesman, said “the President’s insight on this matter should be taken on board”.
Just watching the the Praveen Halappanavar IV on the player. Heart wrenching. Brave, brave man #savita
— Ruairí McKenna (@ruairiMCK) November 22, 2012
Saving Savita: Women Won’t be Protected if Ireland OKs Abortion http://t.co/I1g5MQIU via @StevenErtelt
— Chuck (@ILRep4Trump) November 22, 2012
* Read more:
Reilly urged to scrap inquiry
She will rest in peace if justice is done
Words you want to be a link
‘Inquiry terms of reference presented as fait accompli to family’
‘England’s proximity meant Ireland did not have to legislate for abortion’
Savita’s family request medical records
Savita inquiry - Husband’s wish should be granted
