Consultant: Only one request for termination

The consultant who cared for Savita Halappanavar at Galway University Hospital has insisted just one request was made for a termination after it emerged she would inevitably miscarry.

Dr Katherine Astbury’s version of events emerged for the first time yesterday as she read a deposition at Mrs Halappanavar’s inquest in Galway. The consultant obstetrician gynaecologist contradicted evidence by Praveen Halappanavar that his wife had three times requested a termination.

Mr Halappanavar had said that his wife was told that a termination was not possible because Ireland was a Catholic country.

But Dr Astbury made it clear she had never used such words and had informed Mrs Halappanavar on Oct 23 a termination was not possible because, at that time, her health was not at risk and the foetal heartbeat was still present. On Oct 24 Mrs Halappanavar miscarried naturally, but became seriously ill and died of septicaemia on Oct 28.

Dr Astbury said Mrs Halappanavar was a fit and healthy 31-year-old when she became pregnant. On Oct 21 she presented at Galway University Hospital complaining of back pain.

She was seen by a midwife and doctor and discharged, but returned that afternoon.

Her membranes were bulging through the cervix and pregnancy loss was inevitable.

Dr Astbury reviewed her for the first time on Oct 23. Her membranes had burst during the night and her back pain had resolved. A scan confirmed the presence of the foetal heartbeat and in the absence of a risk to her life, no intervention was required.

She was very upset and enquired about getting medication to cause her to miscarry. “I told her that the legal position in Ireland did not permit me to terminate the pregnancy at this time,” Dr Astbury said.

She was subsequently informed Mrs Halappanavar’s condition had deteriorated and concluded she may have to carry out a termination, but first discussed the situation with a colleague, Geraldine Gaffney.

Dr Gaffney agreed that this would be necessary on the basis of a real and substantial threat to the life of Mrs Halappanavar.

After further examination on Oct 24, she concluded Mrs Halappanavar was suffering from septic shock and began arrangements to have her moved to the high dependency unit, but no bed was available.

A central line was put in and arrangements made to take Mrs Halappanavar to theatre, but she spontaneously delivered the foetus at 3.15pm. Her health deteriorated afterwards and, as Dr Astbury had to go to another hospital on Oct 25, she requested Dr Conway to review Mrs Halappanavar. She was later informed her condition had worsened.

Mr Halappanavar asked her to review his wife the next morning, but she advised him she was going on leave and would have her colleague take over.

Dr Astbury will today be questioned on her account.