[Press Release] Politicians to blame for death of Savita Halappanavar

Press Release

Wednesday 14^th November 2012

For Immediate Use

Politicians to blame for death of Savita Halappanavar

 

Cork Feminista is appalled to learn of the death of Savita Halappanavar following the refusal of medical staff at University Hospital Galway to carry out a lifesaving abortion.

Mrs Halappanavar and her husband were told that they could not access abortion as Ireland ‘is a Catholic country’ and the foetal heartbeat was still present even though it was clear the foetus would not survive.

Mrs Halappanavar died last month, despite the fact that two decades ago the Supreme Court ruled women had a right to access abortion where there was a real and substantial risk to their life. However successive governments have refused to legislate to give effect to this ruling.

Cork Feminista Co-Founder, Linda Kelly says

“It is completely unacceptable that in 2012 women are dying because the government is too cowardly to legislate for the X case. We are heartbroken for Savita and her family and we can only hope that her death will not be in vain. We are renewing our call to the Government to legislate for the X case so that this never happens again.”

Cork Feminista is supporting the Candlelight Vigil happening tonight at 7pm outside the Cork Opera House and the protest planned for Friday 16^th November at 1pm on Daunt Square. Both events are being organized in conjunction with the Cork Women’s Right to Choose and the Pro Choice Cork Alliance.

 

Ends

For further information contact:

Linda Kelly: corkfeminista@gmail.com

 

About Us:

Cork Feminista was founded by Linda Kelly and Dr. Jennifer DeWan in August 2010 to provide a discussion and activist space for feminism in Cork.  It is a collective of women and men who meet once a month to discuss different issues related to gender equality and feminism. The meetings allow participants to explore their thoughts on issues and network with other campaigners.