Alarming communication breakdown

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.

The inquest cannot apportion any blame for the young mother-to-be’s death.

However, the fact a series of opportunities to address the ticking time-bomb of her deteriorating condition were missed should act as a wake-up call to how other pregnant women are treated in Irish hospitals.