The Government in the Republic of Ireland has come under renewed pressure to launch an independent inquiry into the death of Savita Halappanavar.
Amid intervention from President Michael D Higgins, Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein have ratcheted up demands for Taoiseach Enda Kenny to make direct, private contact with grieving husband Praveen.
Joan Burton, Social Protection Minister, said every effort will be made by the Government to support Mr Halappanavar and his family.
“The Government has moved. The important issue here is women’s health, it’s not politics,” she said.
“I hope you accept that I and other women have a direct interest in this. I say what I say in a personal conviction - there are young women going into hospital today, the next day, next week, and I want to know they are safe and what has happened will not happen again.”
The Government has vowed to press ahead with a Health Service Executive (HSE) inquiry despite Praveen Halappanavar threatening to withhold his late wife’s medical notes and refusing to meet the investigation chairman.
He said he has no confidence that he will get justice for his wife.
Caoimhghin O Caolain, Sinn Fein health spokesman, called for an independent inquiry outside of the remit of the HSE.
“We have to say it is reasonable for people to question whether any kind of serious inquiry would ever have been undertaken but for the fact that Mr Halappanavar had gone public with this terrible, terrible story,” he said.
“That is an indictment of the system, of the HSE, of the department, of the Government.
“There is no possible credibility for the inquiry currently constituted, and that is not to question the capacity and suitability of those now named to participate.
“It is to recognise that without Praveen Halappanavar’s co-operation and perhaps approval for access to critical file notes in relation to his wife’s tragic experience that this inquiry will have no future.”
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fail health spokesman, warned that failure to set up an independent inquiry could see the Government facing court action from the Halappanavar family.
“Nobody has confidence in this investigation, and I mean nobody,” he said.
Ms Halappanavar, 31, died on October 28, 17 weeks into her pregnancy.
She miscarried and subsequently suffered septicaemia and her husband claims that doctors refused to carry out an abortion as a foetal heartbeat was present.
Inquiry chairman, obstetrics and gynaecology expert Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran of St George’s, University of London, is to complete an interim report on Mrs Halappanavar’s death before Christmas.
President Higgins said yesterday he hopes women will be safer in the wake of the death of an Indian dentist after a miscarriage.
He urged an investigation that is acceptable to the Halappanavar family, society and the Government.