The Health Minister says he has no evidence that a Catholic ethos prevented the life of a pregnant woman being saved by a medical termination of her pregnancy.

James Reilly has come under pressure in the Dáil this evening to introduce clear legislation to give effect to the ‘X’ case.

It comes after the death of 31-year-old Savita Halappanavar in Galway after being refused an abortion despite being told she was suffering a miscarriage.

She later died from blood poisoning.

Minister calls for due process

Protests are to take place outside the Dáil tonight with along with a pro-choice protest tonight at the Irish embassy in London at 6pm following her death.

The Feminist London blog is calling on people to make use of “banners, placards or flyers” for the protests.

Another gathering is planned at Eyre Square in Galway along with a candle lit vigil at 5:30pm on Saturday.

In Cork a vigil and protest gets underway later at the Cork Opera House while in Belfast there will also be a vigil and protest at City Hall tomorrow.

Health Minister James Reilly is appealing for people to await the outcome of investigations by the Coroner, the Hospital and Health Service Executive (HSE).

He says there is no evidence that the abortion was refused on grounds of the ethos of the hospital.