The Taoiseach is coming under increasing pressure to take action, following the death in Galway of Savita Halappanavar.

The 31 year-old dentist died at University Hospital Galway after developing blood-poisoning following a miscarriage. Her family says she was denied a medical abortion.

Today, a letter signed by 53 members of the European Parliament has been sent to Enda Kenny, calling for immediate action to legislate for abortion in Ireland.

The letter, which is backed by MEPs from 15 countries right across Europe, is signed by only one Irish MEP – Paul Murphy.

It expresses shock at Mrs Halappanavar’s death, and says she was as victim of decades of inaction by government on the Supreme Court ruling on the X Case.

The MEPs have also called on the HSE as “the Irish authority responsible for the health service,” to “immediately issue a directive” allowing for limited access to abortion to protect the life and health of women.

Last week the Taoiseach said he would not be rushed into action following the Halappanavar case. Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore meanwhile committed to change, saying doing nothing was not an option.

Dr James Reilly is to present the findings of an expert group on abortion – commissioned several months ago – to Cabinet this week; and details of the HSE inquiry are to be clarified.

The MEP’s letter has also announced an International Day of Protest, next Wednesday, November 21^st at Irish embassies around the world.

Meanwhile, an estimated 20-tousand of people took to the streets in towns and cities around Ireland yesterday, to commemorate the late Savita Halappanavar and to call for action following her death.