Kochi, Nov 17 (IBNS): Amid the ongoing uproar over the death of Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar after she was denied an abortion, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on Saturday said Ireland should amend its abortion laws without hurting the Catholic sentiments of its people.
"It seems that the doctors, who are expected to be medical ethics, have shown no concern to the life of Savita," Ravi told reporters here.
"The Irish Government has declared that they will go for an inquiry. And it is my request that the Government of Ireland should show some kind of political determination and strength to heed to the request of the people, Human Rights Commission and others and make some amendments to the abortion law without hurting the sentiments of the Catholic faith," he said.
Earlier the same day, in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid condoled Savita's death and said: "The matter should be investigated and is being done. I express my full condolences to the family and pray to god to give them courage."
"I have full confidence that the Ireland Government will take appropriate action in this matter. We are in touch with them and will do whatever possible," he said.
Meanwhile, Savita's husband Praveen has said that the Irish authorities have not been in touch with him and he is worried about the sort inquiry that will be established into her death, said The Irish Times.
Savita died on October 28 after being denied an abortion at a hospital in Ireland.
The Irish health authorities had said on Friday that an inquiry team would be constituted to probe Savita's death. But the team members are yet to be named.
According to reports, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has said he would not take a rushed decision on abortion in the wake of widespread protests.
"I'm not going to be rushed into the situation by force of numbers on any side. This is something which needs to be treated rationally and openly and truthfully, and that's what will happen," Kenny said.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday summoned Irish Ambassador Feilim McLaughlin to convey India's concern over this case.
During the meeting, Madhusudan Ganapathi, Secretary (West) in the MEA, who summoned the Irish Ambassador, said India was concerned over Savita's death and also informed McLaughlin about the uproar in the society that has started over the issue.
The Irish Ambassador reportedly assured full cooperation.
