Harney expresses sympathy over miscarriages scandal

Health Minister Mary Harney has expressed her sympathy and support to the women and families caught up in the miscarriages misdiagnoses scandal.

Several women have this week claimed they were told their unborn baby was dead, only to discover later it was still alive.

In light of this, the HSE has announced its to review all cases of incorrectly diagnosed miscarriages from the past five years.

The HSE has also instructed that the decision to use drugs or surgical intervention in the aftermath of an apparent miscarriage must be approved by a Consultant Obstetrician.

Speaking for the first time on the miscarriage misdiagnosis, Minister Harney offered her sympathy to the women involved.

"I want to express my sympathy and support for the women that have been affected," Minister Harney said.

"It clearly was a very traumatic experience for them and their families.

"The truth is that Ireland is one of the safest places in the world to give birth," she added. "We want to make sure that we don't worry pregnant women or women who may become pregnant in the future."