Indeed it is.

So is Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Croatia, Slovenia…. the list goes on

Map of Religion in Europe Courtesy of Wikipedia, Catholic Countries are Blue

The laws on abortion in Europe

Map showing the Legal Position in Europe on Abortions (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6235557.stm)

Only in Malta is abortion completely illegal

In Italy, the home of the Catholic Church, Savita Halappanavar would probably not have died.

Availability: On request

Gestational limit: 12 weeks

Conditions: A one-week reflection period is imposed unless the situation is one of urgency. A certificate confirming the pregnancy and the request for termination must be issued by a doctor and signed by the woman and the doctor.

Parental authorisation is required if the woman is under 18. After 12 weeks, abortion is allowed only if the foetus has a genetic deficiency or to preserve the physical and mental health of the mother. An abortion must be performed in a public hospital or authorised private facility – if there are staff willing to perform the procedure.

The influence of the Roman Catholic Church – and the threat of excommunication for anyone performing an abortion and any woman obtaining an abortion – means the majority of physicians and other healthcare professionals invoke a conscience clause allowing them to be exempted on moral or religious grounds.

Savita could have requested a different doctor in Italy.

For the precise law in each of the countries on the map see the BBC article here.

There is a Vigil in London tomorrow, November the 17th at 4pm outside the Irish Embassy for Savita & her family.

White is the Hindu colour for mourning if you can, please wear white, to vigils/marches/protests