The announcement comes a day after abortion officially became legal in the Republic of Ireland after President Michael D Higgins signed new legislation into law. The legislation will allow abortions for up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy, and in very limited circumstances - such as when there is a risk to the life of the pregnant woman - after that. A statement released by Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday evening said: “Having considered the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018, the President has signed the Bill and it has accordingly become law.”

The Bill finished its final stage in the Seanad earlier this month after weeks of sometimes heated debate in both the Dáil and Seanad. A statement released by Áras an Uachtaráin last night said: “Having considered the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018, the president has signed the bill and it has accordingly become law.”

Simon Harris, the health minister, said he would sign a number of legal instruments today to enact the new law.
Irish President Michael D. Higgins signs a bill making abortion legal in the Republic of Ireland for the first time.