NI Doctor Calls For Clarity On Abortion

A leading Northern Ireland obstetrician has called for greater clarity on abortion laws following the death of Savita Halappanavar at University Hospital Galway.

Professor Jim Dornan told the BBC: "We would like to feel that our Department of Health and our paymasters - our political masters -and our legal masters are supportive of us."

Mrs Halappanavar died on 28 October in hospital after having a miscarriage.

The 31-year-old was 17 weeks pregnant and, according to her family, had asked several times for her pregnancy to be terminated because of back pains and the fact she was miscarrying.

Her husband claims she was refused an abortion because a foetal heartbeat was recorded. He believes terminating the pregnancy could have saved his wife’s life.

Professor Dornan has called for better guidance.

"We need to have that guidance because we have been working on a guidance document that is sitting in an in-tray somewhere and we would love to see it coming out.

"I appreciate there are problems, but let's address those problems and get it sorted out," he told the BBC.

The death sparked protests across Ireland, including at Eyre Square in Galway City and in L’Derry on Friday.

The Republic of Ireland has had strict laws on abortion for more than 100 years.

A termination may be carried out if a woman’s life is at risk, but the issue is complex, as it is in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland is currently not covered by the Abortion Act which covers the rest of the UK.

This is despite 30-40 medical terminations being carried out by the NHS in Northern Ireland every year.

Medical professionals may opt out of carrying out abortions, while those who are willing to terminate a pregnancy on request are often fearful of legal action.

Prof Dornan sits on the Global Health Board of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

He said the current legislation in Northern Ireland was confusing.

(IT)