Strong worldwide reaction to Savita Halappanavar death

The 'Savita' and  'RIPSavita' hashtags have been trending on Twitter since this morning, along with related tags like 'Catholic' and 'Abortion' 

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Savita Halappanavar's death after she was 'refused' an abortion at a hospital in Galway has been making headlines all around the world.

The incident has both elicited sympathy and sparked debate online on Ireland's strict abortion laws, which only allow for termination when the pregnant woman's life is in danger.

Savita's husband revealed that the couple were also told that they were refused an abortion 'because [Ireland] is a Catholic country', a line which has also got people discussing the separation between church and state.

Here's how several media outlets covered the story:

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In the Dáil today, the Taoiseach confirmed that the Health Minister James Reilly had received the report of the committee on abortion in the last 24 hours.

However, Enda Kenny revealed that Dr Reilly had yet to see or read it.

This committee had been set up to examine how Ireland should respond to a 2010 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights on the country’s abortion laws. (See: 'ABC' Case)

Another high profile case, dubbed the 'X' Case, has been at the forefront of this debate. This was a watershed 1992 Supreme Court judgement which established the right of Irish women to an abortion if a pregnant woman's life was at risk because of pregnancy.

However, subsequent Governments have failed to legislate for the ruling.

These issues (and more) have been dominating the discussion today. Here's what people have been saying on Twitter:

Just when you think you couldn't be more ashamed of your Country, a Mother is allowed to die in agony #RIPSavita

— Jim Sheridan (@Jim_Sheridan) November 14, 2012

Every TD who passed through the Dáil in the last 20 years and didn't legislate for X has a death on their conscience today. #ripSavita

— Philip O'Connor (@philipoconnor) November 14, 2012

How do you console a man whose wife's life could have been saved? #RIPSavita

— Joanne (@KJoanne) November 14, 2012

#savita #maternaldeath No #abortion laws for the new kid on the human rights council? Shame on Ireland

— Dearbhail McDonald (@DearbhailDibs) November 14, 2012

Unfortunately someone has to die for an issue like this to be brought to light in Ireland... Disgraceful. #RIPSavita

— Stephen Mannion (@stemannion) November 14, 2012

A "catholic country" that could let a woman die for archaic, preposterous reasons has no place being on any human rights council. #savita

— Lochlann MacaBháird (@lochlannmac) November 14, 2012

Lots of supposed pro-lifers advising "calm" over #Savita's death. No. A woman died a preventable death in an Irish hospital. Get angry.

— Fi (@andgoseek) November 14, 2012

Just sent letters to my North Tipp TD's demanding action be taken on legislating the X case. Hope everyone does the same #SAVITA #tipperary

— Sarah Moyles (@SarahMoyles) November 14, 2012

It takes a lot for me to say it but today I'm ashamed to be Irish #Savita

— Colin Harmon (@dublinbarista) November 14, 2012

#savita story needs to go global. To think Ireland is now on the UN Human Rights Council.

— Claire McGing (@Claire_McGing) November 14, 2012

So what do you think? We'd love to hear your opinion on the issue and the debate surrounding it.

Make your voice heard in the comments section below.