The untimely death of Indian national Savita Halappanavar in Galway in the Republic of Ireland, who was denied a necessary abortion, should warn the world about the dangerous fundamentalists who govern a backward and problematic country. Medical staff failed to act to save a woman in the prime of her life. This is disgraceful and shows up the Republic of Ireland for what it is: an ultra-Catholic theocracy devoid of freedom and bonded to iron-fisted fundamentalism. The abortion issue in the country has been dominated by dangerous fundamentalists who are nothing but fanatics engaged in a self-righteous campaign, without recognising anybody else’s opinion. The Irish government parties are divided on the matter and by no means is movement on the issue guaranteed, with many Irish politicians getting elected on an anti-choice ticket. Halappanavar’s life could have been saved; the Irish Constitution does not prohibit abortion as such. It appears that the abortion provision in the Irish Constitution (Article 40.3) only protects a foetus as far as practicable. The article says, “The State by its law guarantees to respect and ‘as far as practicable’ to defend and vindicate that right.” This implies that where it is not practicable a termination is allowed. Halappanavar’s untimely death is a disgrace. The Indian government and people should demand satisfaction and change for Indian women in the Republic of Ireland who could be subject to dangerous fundamentalist and retarded people.
Maurice Fitzgerald,
Shanbally,
County Cork,
Republic of Ireland
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