The parliament of Ireland has successfully passed The Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Bill. It will now be given to the President for his ceremonial assent to turn it into law.
By means of the bill, women can now opt for abortion until the 12th week of pregnancy willfully. Further, in case of exigencies where there is a diagnosis of a foetal abnormality or a risk or grave danger to life, abortion can be carried out.
The Irish Minister for Health, Simon Harris tweeted the update. This is a blessing for many Irish women who had to travel to neighbouring countries for abortions. The law is expected to be implemented since January 2019.
Just over 200 days ago, you, the people of Ireland voted to repeal the 8th so we could care for women with compassion. Today we have passed the law to make this a reality. A vote to end lonely journeys, end the stigma and support women’s choices in our own country
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 13, 2018
With this change, Malta is the only state in the European Union that has a complete prohibition on abortion.
