Why does it take a death to cause change?

I was disgusted to read recently about the death of Savita Halappanavar, a woman who was denied an abortion in Ireland, even though she was suffering a miscarriage, and died as a result of septicemia.

The reason the doctors gave her as to why they wouldn't abort her baby?: 'This is a catholic country'.

I'm sorry but when did religion come before the Hippocratic oath? It was clear the baby was dying and Savita was in danger but since the foetus still had a faint heartbeat the doctors didn't do anything.
What about Savita's heartbeat? The doctors blind obedience to their faith has led to two deaths instead of one.

I guess there is a silver lining here as this story has caused international uproar and pressure on the Irish government to change the law, and if not, make their abortion laws clearer.

But the main thing this story shows is that religion needs to stay far away from the realm of politics. I mean, a few galaxies away. Abortions are against your faith? Great- don't get one. But don't legislate so that no one else is allowed one either. Women should have the choice.

Did we really need a martyr to exemplify this point?

If Savita had suffered this miscarriage in the UK, for example, just a few miles away, she would still be alive. Ireland needs to escape from the middle ages and abort its ridiculous abortion laws.