Sunday Times 2
Ireland legalises abortion following death of Indian dentist
View(s):The Irish Government has passed landmark legislation to allow abortion in the country in certain circumstances.
Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar and her husband Praveen Halappanavar on their wedding day (Reuters)
The laws enshrine a woman’s right to a termination if her life is at risk, including if she is at risk of taking her own life.
The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 was passed comfortably at about 12.30am today after a second late night of debates, with 127 members of the Dail parliament voting in favour and just 31 against.
Pressure to amend Ireland’s strict abortion laws came after a backlash following the death of Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar, who died in an Irish hospital last year after being denied an abortion.
She was miscarrying 17 weeks into her pregnancy in October but doctors would not terminate the pregnancy.
Her widower Praveen claimed the couple had been told a termination was not allowed because ‘Ireland is a Catholic country’, prompting a worldwide outcry.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said it was time the women of Ireland have the rights they deserve enshrined in law.
The bill was passed as it was revealed yesterday that 11 women travelled from Ireland to Britain every day last year for an abortion.
© Daily Mail,London
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