AN external review is to launched into the circumstances surrounding an abortion at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin.
It is understood that the case relates to a couple who were told their baby had a fatal foetal abnormality and an abortion was carried out in March at over 15 weeks.
It is believed that the unborn baby had Trisomy18, also known as Edwards Syndrome, which is recognised as a fatal foetal abnormality.
However, RTÉ yesterday reported that genetic tests later found that was not the case and the results were negative for the anomaly.
Three genetic tests had been carried out, the third of which was sent abroad and the results only came through after the termination had taken place at the Holles Street hospital.
The parents sought an external investigation and the hospital has said an external review will be carried out.
In a statement, a hospital spokesperson said they could not comment on individual cases.
"We can confirm that we have asked the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) to conduct an independent review of a recent case at the hospital," it said.
However, the RCOG last night said it "has not yet received a formal approach to undertake this review".
"Should an approach be forthcoming, this will be considered in the usual way," it said.
