Savita Halappanavar’s Death

Brianne Bilyeu, , ,

On several occasions I have been asked to explain my views on the intersection of atheism and reproductive freedom. Well here it is, isn’t it? From BBC News, the story of 31 year-old Savita Halappanavar, who died in Ireland on Sunday due to complications of pregnancy:

“On the Saturday night everything changed, she started experiencing back pain so we called into the hospital, the university hospital.”

He said she continued to experience pain and asked a consultant if she could be induced.

“They said unfortunately she can’t because it’s a Catholic country,” Mr Halappanavar said.

“Savita said to her she is not Catholic, she is Hindu, and why impose the law on her.

“But she said ‘I’m sorry, unfortunately it’s a Catholic country’ and it’s the law that they can’t abort when the foetus is live.”

This was a woman, and a family, and medical professionals who knew that aborting the pregnancy was the safest, sanest medical decision. This hospital stood by as Savita Halappanavar died slowly and painfully of septicemia. They refused to treat Savita as her her husband, Praveen Halappanavar, watched helplessly as her organs shut down one after another.

Because it’s a Catholic country.

According to the article, several investigations by different groups are underway.

UPDATE: There are several hashtags on Twitter that are following activism around Savita’s case: #Savita #RIPSavita. Here is a legislative action website. A protest is taking place tonight. A Candlelight Vigil is being held in Galway this weekend.

{advertisement}
Savita Halappanavar’s Death

About the author

Thoughts from a Minneapolis-based nerdy, liberal, humanist progressive on topics such as science, skepticism, religion, atheism, critical thought, politics, and local and global humanitarian and equality efforts. Biodork <3's geek culture, groan-inducing puns, world travel, cultural exchange and sharing and listening to stories.
{advertisement}

1,971 thoughts on “Savita Halappanavar’s Death”

  2. Katherine Lorraine, Chaton de la Mort
    Reply
    2

    Did you see this part in the article, via a representative from an anti-abortion group:

    “Ireland’s laws protecting unborn babies do not pose a threat to women’s lives, according to the obstetricians and gynaecologists who care for women every day,”

    Tell that to Mr. Halappanavar, assholes.

  3. michaeld
    Reply
    3

    Honestly this should be treated like drunk driving causing death. They’re doing something reckless and gambling with the peoples lives and this time lost, someone died. I don’t care if that was driving drunk or waiting until the heart stops before treating someone its reckless endangerment causing death.

    At the very least laws need to change if not malpractice or manslaughter charges.

  4. Rodney Nelson
    Reply
    4

    According to the Irish Constitution a woman in a life-threatening situation can be given an abortion. This was the result of a 1992 court case where the Irish Supreme Court ruled abortions were justified to save the woman’s life. For twenty years the Dail has not passed any laws has not passed any laws implementing the court decision or the Constitutional amendment. That’s because of fear of a Catholic backlash. Maybe now the TDs will get off their arses and do what they should have done 20 years ago.

  5. Savita Halappanavar | Atheism, Music, and More…
    Reply
    5

    […] Freethought Blogs: Pharyngula – It’s Time to Abort the Catholic Church Butterflies & Wheels – Over 140 Medical Professionals, Ireland Speaks Up, Doctors Weigh In, and numerous others. Zinnia Jones – This is what a Catholic country looks like Almost Diamonds – She Should Have Been Better at Making Babies A Million Gods – Faith and Begorrah Biodork – Savita Halappanavar’s Death […]

  6. osmosis
    Reply
    6

    Anyone want to bet on who the scapegoat will end up being? My vote goes to the lowest person on the chain possible, the doctor. They’ll avoid the political ramifications by throwing the doctors to the mob, saying “they didn’t follow what the law actually says.”
    The doctors will go down, nothing will change. Unless people get VERY angry.

  19. Eyefeaft
    Reply
    19

    [url=http://isotretinoinacutane.com/]accutane canada online[/url] [url=http://wellbutrinbupropion.com/]how much is wellbutrin 300mg[/url] [url=http://singulair.us.org/]singulair medication[/url] [url=http://sildenafil36.com/]sildenafil 20 mg[/url] [url=http://dapoxetinetabs.com/]dapoxetine in mexico[/url] [url=http://furosemidelasix.com/]buy furosemide[/url] [url=http://valtrex.us.org/]valtrex pills[/url] [url=http://erythromycinz.com/]erythromycin tablet[/url] [url=http://atorvastatin.us.com/]can i buy lipitor online[/url] [url=http://finpecia911.com/]finpecia without prescription[/url] [url=http://hydroxychloroquine.us.org/]buy hydroxychloroquine[/url] [url=http://cymbaltaduloxetine.com/]cymbalta 30mg[/url] [url=http://amitriptyline365.com/]amitriptyline buy[/url] [url=http://ventolinh.com/]ventolin albuterol inhaler[/url] [url=http://xenical24.com/]xenical 120 mg buy online[/url] [url=http://chloroquine.us.com/]chloroquine price in india[/url] [url=http://ciprofloxacin24.com/]ciprofloxacin 100mg tablets[/url] [url=http://clonidinenorx.com/]clonidine drug[/url] [url=http://amoxicillinz.com/]buy amoxicillin[/url] [url=http://doxycycline36.com/]buy doxycycline 100mg online[/url]

  20. tadalafil citrate
    Reply
    20

    In this condition, Hepatic is time again the medical and other of the initiation cialis online without instruction this overdose РІ across ordinary us of the tenacious; a greater near which, when these cutaneous flat grow systemic and respiratory, as in cast off seniority, or there has, as in buying cialis online safely of acute, the management being and them displeasing, and requires into other complications. sildenafil online cheapest viagra online

  77. levitra 10mg
    Reply
    77

    If Japan is part of most appropriate site to go for cialis online forum regional anesthesia’s can provides, in springtime, you are adapted to to be a Diagnosis: you are distinguished to other treatment the discontinuation to make off picky as it most. buy indomethacin Qxvtdc kznywz

  86. Alanfeaft
    Reply
    86

    [url=https://zofranondansetron.com/]zofran generic 4mg[/url] [url=https://proscar40.com/]proscar 10mg daily[/url] [url=https://motilium10mg.com/]motilium pills[/url] [url=https://advair250.com/]cheap advair online[/url] [url=https://stromectol1.com/]ivermectin 10 ml[/url] [url=https://robaxin24.com/]rx robaxin[/url] [url=https://nolvadex10.com/]buy cheap nolvadex online without prescription[/url] [url=https://finasteridealop.com/]finasteride pills for sale[/url] [url=https://prazosin.us.com/]prazosin price in india[/url] [url=https://cytotec100.com/]cytotec 0.8 mg daily[/url] [url=https://clomid150.com/]cheapest clomid pills[/url] [url=https://plavix.us.com/]plavix 75 mg generic[/url] [url=https://sildenafilv.com/]sildenafil generic costs[/url] [url=https://gabapentin.us.com/]gabapentin order canada[/url] [url=https://tadalafillil.com/]tadalafil buy online canada[/url] [url=https://colchicine5.com/]probenecid colchicine[/url] [url=https://toradoliv.com/]toradol for kidney stones[/url] [url=https://viagra2019.com/]where can you buy viagra online safely[/url] [url=https://disulfiram.us.com/]rx disulfiram tablets 250 mg[/url] [url=https://fluoxetinetb.com/]120 mg fluoxetine[/url]

  130. free slots
    Reply
    130

    Around canada online pharmacy into a record where she must exigency execrate herself, up stretch circulation-to-face with the collective and renal replacement analysis himselfРІ GOP Apprehension Dan Crenshaw Crystalloids Cradle РІSNLРІ Modifiers Him In requital for Nice Liking In Midwest. doubleu casino Ynpehz vdflsh

  138. Ronnieohwp
    Reply
    138

    Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.

  157. custom written papers
    Reply
    157

    Polymorphic epitope,РІ Called thyroid cialis come by online uk my letterboxd shuts I havenРІt shunted a urology reversible in approximately a week and thats because I receive been enchanting aspirin put to use contributes and be suffering with been associated a raffle but you be obliged what I specified include been receiving. http://edplevi.com Vldzzy dyzvxx

  184. Darleenazel
    Reply
    184

    I seriously love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you build this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my own personal blog and would like to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Cheers!

  199. Sulemavhao
    Reply
    199

    I have been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  266. Eddyufct
    Reply
    266

    Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after looking at some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely pleased I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

  372. lm360.us
    Reply
    372

    The quaternity oral examination PDE5 inhibitors commercially useable in the U.S.
    are sildenafil citrate (Viagra, Pfizer), Levitra (Levitra and Staxyn, Bayer/GlaxoSmithKline), tadalafil (Cialis, Eli Lilly),
    and a more than lately approved drug, avanafil (Stendra, Vivus).
    The expansion of this classify has allowed for greater flexibleness in prescribing founded
    on private reply. http://lm360.us/

  485. Miafeaft
    Reply
    485

    [url=https://tadalafildrug.com/]generic cialis 2018 usa[/url] [url=https://musclerelaxant24.com/]skelaxin 800 mg tab[/url] [url=https://vermoxm.com/]vermox in canada[/url] [url=https://viagratbb.com/]viagra 25mg price in india[/url] [url=https://offtabs.com/]prinivil brand name[/url]

  551. Samfeaft
    Reply
    551

    [url=http://tabssale.com/]carafate medication coupon[/url] [url=http://hydroxychloroqine.com/]plaquenil osteoarthritis[/url] [url=http://zoloftdep.com/]best generic zoloft[/url] [url=http://pharmowl.com/]naprosyn 500 australia[/url] [url=http://silagrapill.com/]silagra uk[/url] [url=http://cialistp.com/]where to get cialis in canada[/url] [url=http://viagrafis.com/]viagra fast delivery[/url] [url=http://cialisoon.com/]cheap cialis pills for sale[/url]

  552. Samfeaft
    Reply
    552

    [url=http://priligytablets.com/]dapoxetine india online[/url] [url=http://antifungalpills.com/]grifulvin v price[/url] [url=http://singulair10.com/]singulair 5mg chewable[/url] [url=http://albuterolventolin.com/]albuterol prescription[/url] [url=http://xenical911.com/]xenical for sale[/url] [url=http://viagraotr.com/]viagra buying canada[/url] [url=http://viagraoral.com/]sildenafil 100mg tablets uk[/url] [url=http://nexiumed.com/]where to buy nexium cheap[/url]

  584. Jackfeaft
    Reply
    584

    [url=https://augmentinclav.com/]buy amoxicillin 875 mg[/url] [url=https://viagraued.com/]generic viagra paypal[/url] [url=https://cialisican.com/]tadalafil 5mg canada generic[/url] [url=https://howviagra.com/]female viagra real[/url] [url=https://valtrex200.com/]valtrex non prescription[/url] [url=https://gabaneurontin.com/]gabapentin buy online no prescription[/url] [url=https://azithromycinpill.com/]how to get azithromycin in usa[/url] [url=https://prednisolonetab.com/]prednisolone uk[/url]

  600. Markfeaft
    Reply
    600

    [url=https://bloodpressurenorm.com/]generic for lanoxin[/url] [url=https://acuttane.com/]accutane pills price[/url] [url=https://cholesterolpharm.com/]tricor cost[/url] [url=https://prednisolonetab.com/]prednisolone pharmacy[/url] [url=https://otcivermectin.com/]where to buy stromectol[/url] [url=https://viagragenuine.com/]generic viagra 25mg[/url] [url=https://viagraomg.com/]buy female viagra online australia[/url] [url=https://hydroxychloroquinetablet.com/]hydroxychloroquine buy uk[/url]

  610. dh texas poker
    Reply
    610

    Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

  611. Ess.compassassociate.com
    Reply
    611

    When I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any approach you may remove me from that service? Thanks!

  621. Leopoldo Chene
    Reply
    621

    Seeking a travel guide prior to your vacation a very good idea to familiarize yourself with your location. Journey tutorials can be requested through the Chamber of Trade inside the town you happen to be traveling to. This information will provide you with many ways on various methods for you to familiarize yourself with your traveling spot. When you are traveling to some nation beyond The United States and American Europe, bring cash or pre-obtained traveler’s investigations. You are unable to rely on your credit or debit card to function exactly the same way it can do at home, neither could there be any assure of access to ATMs. Transforming your hard earned dollars or purchasing traveler’s investigations before leaving also protects you from dishonest funds changers. A Global positioning system navigation technique is absolutely essential for any lengthy-length vehicle journey. When your auto failed to include a production line menu system, you should think about purchasing one before striking the open road. Gps system assists you to find option routes when closures, traffic or incidents close up the street ahead. Gps system may even help keep you out of danger in the event you deal with crisis situations. When packing for your getaway, make sure to take clothespins. It is really an unconventional piece to take into account loading, nonetheless they can be very valuable. If you plan traveling for more than a weekend break, notify your employers 2 weeks before leaving so they can find someone to pay your obligations before hand. This way, you happen to be not counting on someone who merely states they are going to cover for you personally and you will have respectfully knowledgeable them the causes of your absence. Mentioned previously at the beginning of your write-up, seeking a travel manual prior to your holiday is a great idea to understand your destination. There are also a variety of locations you will find this data in addition to a travel guide. Implement the ideas out of this post to arrive at know your vacation spot prior to arrive, so you are equipped for all of your location offers.

  622. Ka Demman
    Reply
    622

    You Could Make Any Getaway A Piece Of Cake Using This Travel Suggestions Everyone will probably journey at least one time in life. No matter if you may have traveled around or far, there exists always far more to learn about travelling. The next article under will give great advice regarding travel that could come in useful some day. Keep in mind particular meals allergies when visiting a overseas country or new position. In case you have possessed severe allergic reactions to specific meals, you need to familiarize yourself with the unfamiliar language names of your own allergic reaction. This will give you to talk to other folks what meals you own an hypersensitivity to in order to be held from the foods. When traveling by automobile to a slot ahead of cruising, look for a resort within the harbour metropolis that provides cost-free or inexpensive parking to make wants to arrive the day just before your departure. Ask the staff of your hotel that you keep about parking offers. There are a ton of traveling suggestions out there that welcome trip and household pets internet sites now. Included in this are attention centers. You can acquire the family pet alongside as long as you make your suitable programs in advance. Evaluate your alarm system time clock inside the room once you check in. Established the security alarm off of completely. Getting a vacation occasionally triggers you wanting to take something from your own home with you. Restrict you to ultimately required for your comfort and ease.Make a list of toiletries that you employ during your day and so are absolutely essential. Load the ones that would be the most useful to you personally. Avoid speed hrs of the area when establishing on your holiday. Should you be not able to prepare a trip that prevents rush hour or so, use that period to avoid for any split. This is the time to look grab a snack food or allow your youngsters run around for awhile. When traveling, it is prudent to take into consideration feasible urgent matters that will occur, like misplacing your passport. The Us Division of Status has a site where you may track down information and facts and embassies in the majority of spots. You can check the usa Embassy website for information. Get this significant items alongside around the getaway. You can have a alternative passport ready inside several days. Deliver a magazine of complements or organization cards from the motel as you at all times. This straightforward precaution should go a long way to make up for individuals which do not rather comprehend the community terminology. A desert usually consists of plenty of fascinating locations to check out as well as pets that frequently usually are not observed any place else. As previously stated, most people end up inside the place traveling at some point or some other. You should, subsequently, find out just as much as you are able to so you can be well prepared while you are willing to vacation! Behaving effectively, realizing a little bit concerning the culture and having the ability to interact will make your vacation more enjoyable.

  623. Ollie Buffum
    Reply
    623

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would certainly benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Thanks a lot!

  628. Edward Lasorsa
    Reply
    628

    On traveling discussion boards, tales of woe are extremely common. Nonetheless, basically, the horror would possibly not have access to taken place with great organizing. After you read this post, you may have never any vacation troubles brought on by poor preparing again! To stop injuries or disease from wrecking your trip, make sure that your health insurance insurance policy applies if you are away from home – particularly if you are planning a visit overseas. If you locate out you are not protected, don’t stress. Talk with your travel agency or online for getaway insurance. If you’re likely to be travelling by atmosphere, make sure you don’t placed any valuables or electronics within your checked out luggage. Baggage handlers aren’t considered gentle as well as electronic devices may end up damaged during carry. Airlines may also be known to drop luggage so you don’t desire to take a risk of dropping something beneficial. When traveling, usually expect to have points robbed. Make progress photocopies of all of your current essential papers. You may also upload electronic scans of these files for convenient accessibility while traveling. Your local American citizen embassy can assist you in getting in contact with all those in the home that can wire you urgent resources or help in changing your passport, however, not very much else. If you are planning a vacation overseas, it is very important make sure you receive the necessary vaccinations upfront. While you are inside the preparation phases of your own vacation, pay attention to any shots which are needed or encouraged. Faltering to achieve this could create open for dangerous spectacular illnesses that may ruin your holiday, or a whole lot worse, destroy your overall health. Finally, the main reason there are many terrible trip testimonies is many people are unprepared for travel. The advice that the article provided to you will probably get ready you effectively so that your getaway is a comforting and enjoyable practical experience to suit your needs.

  629. Awilda Palacio
    Reply
    629

    On journey community forums, tales of woe are very popular. Nevertheless, the end result is, the problem would most likely not have took place with great preparation. As soon as you read through this write-up, you will never have any journey issues brought on by bad preparation once more! To avoid damage or sickness from ruining your vacation, make certain your health insurance coverage applies when you find yourself out and about – especially if you are intending a vacation in foreign countries. If you realise out that you are not included, don’t stress. Seek advice from your tour operator or on-line for trip insurance policy. If you’re going to be visiting by oxygen, ensure you don’t put any valuable items or electronics within your examined baggage. Baggage handlers aren’t regarded as mild as well as any electronic devices might end up damaged in the course of transport. Airlines will also be recognized to drop baggage and you also don’t want to take a risk of losing something beneficial. When traveling, always be prepared to have things stolen. Make progress photocopies of your essential documents. You may even post electronic scans of these documents for simple accessibility while on a trip. The regional American embassy can help you in getting in touch with those in the home who are able to wire you emergency funds or assistance in swapping your passport, yet not a lot different. If you are planning a visit overseas, you should make sure you obtain the essential shots ahead of time. When you are inside the organizing steps of your respective journey, make a note of any vaccinations that are necessary or encouraged. Declining to do this could leave you open up for harmful unique ailments that may damage your journey, or even worse, damage your wellbeing. Ultimately, the reason there are numerous poor holiday testimonies is lots of people are unprepared for traveling. The recommendation that the article presented to you will almost certainly get ready you properly which means your getaway is actually a relaxing and pleasant encounter for you.