Thousands gather for a candle-lit vigil in Ireland in protest against the country's strict abortion laws after the death of pregnant Indian woman Savita Halappanavar.<br/> <br />The 31-year-old died of blood poisoning at University Hospital Galway a week after miscarrying 17 weeks into her pregnancy.<br/> <br />Her husband said her repeated requests for a termination were rejected because of a feotal heartbeat.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) PROTESTER SAYING:<br/> <br />"I'm glad it came out because I'm a grandmother and I'm a mother and I feared that this day would come sometime."<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) PROTESTER SAYING:<br/> <br />"It's just a huge shame that this woman had to die in such tragic circumstances and highlight the fact that there is a major absence of clear legislation in this country at the moment."<br/> <br />In India, where the case has drawn widespread condemnation, Halappanavar's grieving mother said that Irish authorities should have taken their daughter's Hindu faith into consideration.<br/> <br />Halappanavar's husband Praveen said he would take action against the hospital if no measures were taken by the Irish government.<br/> <br />Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said both the hospital and an Irish national team were conducting an investigation into the case.<br/> <br />Abortion remains a deeply divisive issue in the overwhelmingly Roman Catcholic county which has some of the world's most restrictive pregnancy termination laws.
