Praveen thanks midwife for honesty

Praveen Halappanavar has thanked a midwife for her honesty in admitting she told his miscarrying wife Savita that her pregnancy could not be terminated because this is a Catholic country.

Ann Maria Burke yesterday said she regretted the comment during her evidence at the inquest into the 31-year-old's death from septicaemia last October.

Ms Burke insisted that she said it in kindness and was explaining the law of the land and the differences between Ireland and other countries and was not being insensitive.

The inquiry has resumed this morning with evidence from the medical team that treated Savita in the Intensive Care Unit at Galway University Hospital.

On his way into the hearing, Praveen Halappanavar was asked by reporters if he forgave the mid-wife and understood her point of view.

"Oh yes I do, and I would like also to thank her for being so honest," he said.

Mr Halappanavar said he still “sticks to” his allegation that his wife’s consultant obstetrician, Dr Katherine Asbury, made the same comment.

The senior medic has denied the claim, insisting she refused a termination the day before the miscarriage because there was no risk to Mrs Halappanavar's life at the time.

Praveen said it had been very difficult sitting through the testimonies of medics, including Dr Astbury, who admitted there were system failures in his late wife’s care.

“I saw it all,” he added. “It just gives some comfort that the truth is coming out.”

Savita Halappanavar was admitted to hospital on Sunday, October 21 and delivered a dead baby daughter on Wednesday, October 24.

Savita died the following Sunday.

The inquest continues.

Update at 2pm:

Praveen's solicitor Gerard O'Donnell said a meeting with the chairman of the HSE clinical review to discuss the draft final report into Savita's death would most likely be put on hold.

"We will probably now wait until such time as the inquest is concluded because all the evidence at the inquest is sworn testimony and is being cross-examined," he said.