Campaign groups want recommendations of coroner adopted

The verdict prompted pro and anti-abortion campaigners to unite in their demands for officials to immediately enact clearer medical guidelines.

The Pro Life Campaign and Abortion Rights Campaign both called for the Irish Medical Council to adopt the coroner’s recommendation for clarity on medical intervention among pregnant women.

Berry Kiely of the Pro Life Campaign said the issue was a matter of urgency, but accused pro-choice campaigners of “exploiting” Savita’s death to enhance their own cause.

Abortion Rights Campaign spokesperson Cathie Doherty said it was important doctors feel legally safe in carrying out their duties.

“The verdict of medical misadventure confirms that her tragic and untimely death was wholly unnecessary.”

She said the case further highlighted the urgent need to ensure that Irish legislation reflects that doctors feel safe in offering women medically necessary abortions — without fear of prosecution.

Health Minister James Reilly also expressed concern for Mr Halappanavar. Declining to comment on the inquest verdict, he said: “This tragedy has been desperately hard on Mr Halappanavar and his family and the family of the late Savita Halappanavar. I don’t want to add to it in any way by making any more general comment at this time.”

Pressed about whether he would be prepared to apologise for her death, Dr Reilly said: “I’d certainly have no issue with apologising to any patient’s relative who felt their relative had not been treated properly and that through any derogation of duty had suffered such catastrophic consequences as Savita Halappanavar.”