‘Historic moment’ as Irish parliament legalises abortion, after landslide referendum result
- The new legislation permits terminations to be carried out up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy – or in conditions posing serious health risks to the woman
The Irish parliament on Thursday passed legislation allowing abortions for the first time, following a landmark referendum earlier this year, a move hailed by Prime Minister Leo Varadkar as a “historic moment”.
The new legislation permits terminations to be carried out up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy – or in conditions where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman.
It would also allow terminations in cases of fetal abnormality which could lead to the death of the fetus either before or within 28 days of birth.
“Historic moment for Irish women. Thanks to all who supported,” said Varadkar, who supported the referendum in May in which 66 per cent voted to overturn a constitutional ban on abortions.
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Some 170,000 Irish women have been forced to travel to neighbouring Britain for abortions since 1980.