A SPECIAL SITTING is being held in the High Court today to make a decision in the case of a pregnant woman who has been declared clinically dead after suffering a brain trauma.

The young woman is reported to be around 17 weeks pregnant.

It’s understood that today’s action is being taken by the woman’s father – who wants to switch off her life machine.

Legal advice has prevented the woman’s life machine being turned off so far because of the rights of the unborn in the 8th amendment of the Constitution.

The court will hear from five different parties, there will be lawyers in court representing:

the woman herself

the HSE

the Dublin hospital where she was initially treated

the woman’s father

the unborn child.

The case came before the High Court on Monday and was adjourned until today.

Three High Court Judges will hear the case.