Taoiseach: Expert group delivered abortion report last night
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he will not rule out an independent inquiry after a woman died at University Hospital Galway a week after being told she was having a miscarriage.
Two investigations are already underway after the death of 31-year-old Savita Halappanavar.
She had asked for a termination of her pregnancy, but it could not be done because a foetal heartbeat was still present.
Once the heartbeat stopped, the procedure was carried out, however Savita later died of septicaemia.
Mr Kenny has confirmed to the Dáil that an expert group report on how to deal with our abortion laws, in light of the European 'A-B-C' case and Irish 'X-Case', was delivered to the Department of Health last night.
The Taoiseach apologised to the Halappanavar's family, and said once the HSE and hospital inquiries are complete, an independent inquiry can be looked at.
Mr Kenny said: "I think it would be very appropriate that we don’t rule anything out here, but there are two reports and investigations going on at the moment.
"I think it would be very appropriate that the Minister for Health should receive those reports, that we should consider those reports and decide what the best option from there is."
