An Indian changed Ireland, controversial abortion law passed

Dublin, July 12: Almost a year after her sudden demise, Ireland finally passed the controversial abortion law. Savita Halappanavar, an Indian doctor from Karnataka, died due to pregnancy complications. She could have been saved if she was allowed to abort her child.

After a heated argument and debate, Irish lawmakers on Friday, July 12 backed the controversial new legislation which now will allow abortion in limited cases.

The lower house passed the new law with a clear majority with 127 voting in favour and 31 against. Now, the upper house, where the government has a majority, will hold the voting on the bill.

Controversy over abortion laws in Ireland caught attentions worldwide following Savita's death in a Galway hospital in Oct 2012.

Savita had asked for a termination as she had a miscarriage. However, Doctors at the hospital had rejected her request saying her life was not at risk at the time. She died of blood poisoning days after miscarrying.

Savita's death triggered protests at several parts of the world, especially in Ireland. Soon, Dublin was forced to introduce legal clarity, rather than guidelines to deal with the European and Supreme Court rulings.

OneIndia News