Savita and her husband. PIC Credit: www.irishtimes.comNew Delhi: India today summoned the Irish Ambassador to convey its "concern and angst" over the untimely and tragic death of an Indian dentist in Ireland after doctors allegedly refused to terminate her 17-week-long pregnancy on the ground that it was a "Catholic country".

In his response, the Ambassador assured that it was Ireland's desire to provide the fullest cooperation in the follow-up inquiries into the circumstances of Savita Halappanavar's death.

India was awaiting the results of two probes ordered by Irish authorities in the matter and will "take it from there," official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs had said yesterday, adding the country was "concerned" over the circumstances in which Savita Halappanavar died.

Meanwhile, commenting on BJP's strong reaction on the matter, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said one needs to be very careful about the "choice of words" while dealing with a tragedy.

"It is extremely sad and unfortunate. Whatever the inquiry does, human loss cannot be compensated," he said, adding the country might like to reflect upon some positions afresh so that such things do not happen, not only with Indian nationals but also with their own citizens.

The Embassy of Ireland issued a statement here yesterday, saying the Irish government, at the highest level, was committed to establishing the full circumstances and facts surrounding the incident.

Halappanavar, 31, died in Ireland due to blood poisoning after doctors allegedly refused to terminate her 17-week-long pregnancy, telling her that "this is a Catholic country".

Protestors hold pictures of Indian Savita Halappanavar during a demonstration in favour of abortion legislation in Dublin, Ireland, on November 14, 2012. PIC/AFP.The Embassy of Ireland said, "The Irish Prime Minister and the Minister for Health spoke on the matter in Irish Parliament yesterday and expressed their deepest condolences to the husband and family of Mrs Halappanavar.

"The Irish government, at the highest level, is committed to establishing the full circumstances and facts surrounding Mrs Halappanavar's tragic death."

Savita's husband Praveen Halappanavar, an engineer at Boston Scientific in Galway, told Irish media that his wife had asked several times over a three-day period that the pregnancy be terminated.

This was refused, he said, because the foetal heartbeat was still present and they were told "this is a Catholic country". 

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