A candlelight vigil will take place in Carndonagh this Saturday to mark the 5th anniversary of the death of Savita Halappanavar.

Savita Halappanavar.

Members of the Inishowen Abortion Rights Campaign will join with groups across the country and hold a vigil in memory of Savita Halappanavar, who died in Galway University Hospital five years ago.

From 7pm in The Diamond Carndonagh there will be singing, candles, poetry and space to share and remember Savita while supporting all women of Ireland who have/are suffering in similar situations.

There will be an open rehearsal on Wednesday 25th at 7:30pm in Jones & Co. Booksellers in preparation for the vigil, everyone is welcome.

Spokesperson from the Inishowen Abortion Rights Campaign, Cathleen Shiels said: “We come together to mark the 5th Anniversary of the passing of Savita Halappanavar, and we remember the women who have died since her passing also. We think of the families of those lost women and we hope they are able to find peace.

Continuing Shiels said “The 8th Amendment is indiscriminate; whether you are experiencing complications in a planned and welcomed pregnancy, like Savita; or experiencing a crisis pregnancy – the 8th Amendment prohibits access to timely and compassionate abortion services.

“Health care professionals in the South of Ireland can only intervene when there is a risk to the life (as distinct to the health) of the woman who is pregnant. Five years after her death, we haven’t progressed to a point where someone in the same position as her would be guaranteed a safe abortion.

“The management of miscarriage is impacted by 8th Amendment as are all of our maternity services.”