Vigils and protests at Savita Halappanavar‘s medically unnecessary death were held this evening Wednesday 14th November, in Galway, Cork and at the Dail,* in Kildare Street, Dublin. They were called by the Pro-Choice campaign.
Savita died on the 28th October after she was refused a life-saving abortion due to backwards and stringent laws which restrict abortion rights in the Republic of Ireland even in the case where it can save the woman’s life. Medics knew the risks of delaying Savita’s abortion, but refused to terminate her pregnancy anyway because they still detected a heartbeat from the fetus- in Ireland’s law an abortion in these circumstances is equal to murder.
The law holds in higher esteem an unborn fetus than a woman who has thoughts and feelings, and friends and family who love and care for her, and who was in the prime of her life. Savita could have been saved if legislation relating to the X Case had been implemented by the Irish government, however she was allowed to die and her right to life was grossly violated.
Another Vigil will be held an Belfast City Hall, tomorrow Thursday, in memory of Savita and to demand change to sexist laws which dominate women’s lives and freedoms. I hope to be there.
Elly Parker & George Pratt were at the gathering in Kildare Street tonight and George made a video of Elly Speaking.
I am so proud of my Elly.
* The Dail is the seat of the Irish Government.