An Interview with the Husband of an Indian Woman Who Dies in Ireland After Being Denied Access to an Abortion

Ireland has a long history of conservative Catholic views and is arguably one of the strongest anti-choice nations in Europe. It was as a result of strong anti-choice legislation, on October 24th, 31 year old Indian dentist, Savita Halappanavar lost her life due to blood poisoning from a miscarrying fetus. Halappanavar was 17 weeks pregnant with her first child when complications resulted in the pregnancy no longer being viable. In spite of this medical fact, the woman was denied the right to terminate the pregnancy because as Galway doctors explained to her and her husband Ireland is "a Catholic country". With an investigation underway, and the Prime Minister becoming involved on Tuesday by removing three Galway doctors from the independent panel, the world is watching. We bring you an excerpt from Praveen Halappanavar, Savita's widower, who spoke to the Irish Times about the events leading up to his wife's death, as he was in India preparing to bury her.