Early this morning the government published the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013, which legislates for the X Case ruling after 21 years ago. The experience of one woman in Galway University Hospital fueled a new drive by government to bring the ruling into law. Here's how it happened
October 21st
Savita Halappanavar presents at Galway University Hospital. She is subsequently told she is miscarrying, but is denied a termination as the foetal heartbeat is still present.
October 28th
Savita Halappanavar dies of septicemia.
November 14th
A front page story in the Irish Times reveals Savita’s death. The story spreads worldwide and protests take place in Cork and Dublin. Minister for Health James Reilly appeals to the public to await the outcome of investigations by the Coroner, the Hospital and Health Service Executive (HSE).
November 15th
The HSE announces that it will appoint an independent body to carry out the investigation.
November 19th
The government comes under pressure from 53 MEPs from 15 countries to enact X case legislation. HSE inquiry continues without Praveen’s cooperation.
November 20th
Savita’s husband, Praveen, says he won’t cooperate with the HSE inquiry team and will resist any attempts to access her medical records. Three doctors from University Hospital Galway are removed from the team.
November 22nd
President Michael D. Higgins says the inqury must meet the needs of her family and of the State. HSE authorise investigation team to seek release of Savita's medical records.
November 23rd
HIQA confirm that they are launching an investigation, seperate to the HSE's. The Irish Times report that key details are missing from Savita’s medical records.
December 19th
Catholic bishops express concern at the possibility of abortion legislation being enacted.
December 22nd 2012
Praveen expresses anger over not having received the HSE’s preliminary report, promised to be released before Christmas.
January 18th 2013
Inquest into Savita’s death opens, and then closes due to eight statements from hospital staff still not having been received.
February 13th
Draft HSE report says that Savita’s septicemia went undiagnosed for three days. Health Minister James Reilly meets with Praveen Halappanavar the next day.
March 8th
The government announces that a Bill will be published next month, with the intention that a new law on abortion that could be in place by July 2013.
March 29th
Praveen is given a draft copy of the HSE report, which says that Galway University Hospital did not pay enough attention to Savita’s health or the condition of her baby.
April 8th
Inquest into Savita's death opens in Galway.
April 17th
Former Master of the National Maternity Hospital says Savita’s life could have been saved if she had been granted a termination on 22nd or 23rd of October.
April 18th
Cause of death declared to be by septic shock, E. coli in her bloodstream and a miscarriage at 17 weeks.
April 19th
Jury at the inquest returns a verdict of death by medical misadventure.
June 12th
The 2nd of 3 reports into the death of Savita Halappanavar is released, this one the result of a HSE investigation into the events of October 28th 2012.
