Unveiling the truth: Evaluating Ireland's progress in investigating maternal deaths

Irish law implies mandatory inquests into maternal deaths which can give families answers and highlight systemic flaws, but it can also serve as a model across Europe, writes Fleur van Leeuwen

Tatenda Mukwata died on April 21, 2022, at University Hospital Kerry, after giving birth to a healthy baby.

This June, inquests will be held into the deaths of Geraldine Yankeu and Tatenda Mukwata — two women who died in 2021 and 2022, respectively, in Irish maternity services after giving birth.

Their inquests are mandatory. Following the adoption of the 2019 Coroners (Amendment) Act, coroners are held to conduct inquests into all maternal deaths, leaving no leeway for a verdict of natural causes without an impartial investigation.