Irish abortion law clarified for pregnancies that threaten mothers' lives following death of pregnant Indian woman The Irish goverment has announced new legislation to clarify the country's abortion law in the wake of the death of a pregnant Indian woman in Galway in October. The legislation, together with new regulations, is designed to clarify the circumstances in which an abortion can be carried out where the mother's life is at risk. The move is being rushed though after Savita Halappanavar, an Indian dentist, died in a Galway hospital from complications after a termination of her pregnancy was delayed when she had been miscarrying for several days. Her husband Praveen said he had no doubt his wife would still be alive if the procedure had been carried out as she had requested. Her death was followed by domestic and international protests, with widespread condemnation of politicians who were accused of failing to clarify Irish law. The government came under pressure to act from Irish and international opinion, and was also required to conform to a ruling of the European Court of Human RIghts. A recent opinion poll found that eight out of ten people supported legislative clarity. A small number of politicians have however voiced reservations about legislation to ease restrictions in cases where suicide may be a possibility. Health minister James Reilly said: "I know that most people have personal views on this matter. However, the government is committed to ensuring that the safety of pregnant women in Ireland is maintained and strengthened. We will clarify in legislation and regulation what is available by way of treatment to a woman when a pregnancy gives rise to a threat to a woman's life. The government announcement was welcomed by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists who described it as the best means of protecting women and health professionals.