Commenting on the verdict in the inquest on the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar, Sinn Féin health & children spokesperson, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, said: "I take this opportunity again to extend deepest sympathy to Praveen Halappanavar and all the relatives and friends of Savita.
"There is no doubt that, even within the limited scope of an inquest, today's outcome, based on the evidence presented, is most damning and has far-reaching implications. "Savita was sadly let down by the healthcare system. The nine recommendations adopted by the jury arise directly from very serious shortcomings that were made clear in evidence during the inquest. "The recommendation on the need for far clearer guidelines on the appropriateness and timing of termination to save the life of the mother, is especially important. Such guidelines, in tandem with legislation in line with the X case, need to be advanced as speedily as possible. "The other recommendations regarding management of sepsis, communications between hospital staff and the proper recording of patient care are also extremely important. "Health Minister James Reilly needs to act immediately to have all the recommendations of the inquest implemented."
An 11-person jury had delivered a unanimous verdict of medical misadventure in relation to Ms Halappanavar’s death in University Hospital Galway last October. The jury adopted the nine recommendations suggested by coroner Dr Ciaran MacLoughlin, including one that the Medical Council should revise its guidelines for doctors on the termination of pregnancies.

Savita Halappanavar was first admitted to Galway University Hospital on Oct. 21 at 17 weeks pregnant. She was initially treated for back pain and discharged, but she returned to the hospital hours later, at which time doctors said she was having a miscarriage. The Irish Times writes that Halappanavar's membranes had ruptured and her pregnancy was said to no longer be viable.

Halappanavar died from sepsis one week after being admitted. At the time, the hospital refused to state whether Halappanavar's conditions could have been helped if she had had the termination procedure.

Following the widespread media attention for Halappanavar's untimely death, the Irish government announced in December that it would introduce legislation to redefine the legal status of abortion with "clarity and certainty," primarily so doctors can perform a termination of pregnancy in cases where the mother's life is at risk.