The Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Bill has successfully passed through the Dáil.
The Bill passed just after midnight last night following much debate from politicians and over 50 proposed amendments.
It passed by 90 votes to 15 with 12 abstentions.
Minister for Health Simon Harris has called the passing a “significant step forward” and said that abortion services are likely to be available in Ireland from January.
Tonight Dáil Éireann has passed legislation to legalise abortion in Ireland. On to the Seanad now. I think of all the women who have had to travel to receive care – we say, no more. The people have spoken. Care and compassion in our own country
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 6, 2018
“We pass this Bill today just six months after the people had their say,” he said.
“I would particularly like to thank all those people who recognised the need for our discourse to be respectful of differing views, and of the sensitivities involved, particularly for those who have experienced termination of pregnancy.
“I can only imagine how the intensity of debate during the campaign and since then has felt for women who have themselves travelled abroad for a termination over many years.”
The Irish public voted in favour of repealing the eighth amendment earlier this year, with 66.4 percent voting in favour of allowing women access to terminations.
The Bill will move to the Seanad next.
