No probe into miscarriage diagnoses despite new cases

The Health Information and Quality Authority said today it has no plans at this stage to launch an investigation into antenatal services.

Fine Gael is calling on HIQA to carry out an inquiry after a number of women came forward to report that they were wrongly told their unborn babies had died.

The HSE said it has now put in place a programme to standardise obstetric care across the country.

However, Fine Gael's Health spokesperson Dr James Reilly said it is time for HIQA to launch an urgent review of the standard of maternity services.

Today saw yet more women come forward with complaints of false miscarriage diagnoses, with two cases now reported at University Hospital Galway.

Elaine Cunningham from south Galway was told her baby had "no heartbeat" and that a scan showed up an "empty sack."

She subsequently gave birth to a baby boy who is now aged five.

Martha O'Neill Brennan from Athenry was also wrongly told that she had miscarried by a gynaecologist at UHG.