The Abortion Bill has cleared it's final hurdle in the Seanad.
Photo: oireachtas.ieThe report and final stages have passed - and the legislation will now go before President Michael D Higgins to be signed into law.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says it's an historic moment for Irish women.
Health Minister Simon Harris says he looks forward to a new reality for women's healthcare.
Speaking last night, he said "The legislation permits terminations to be carried out up to 12 weeks of pregnancy; or where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; or where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman in an emergency; or where there is a condition present which is likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth."
He also thanked campaigners who "fought the battle in here when it was convenient for the majority to ignore."
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
In my office preparing for the final stages of the abortion legislation in the Seanad this morning and thinking of all of you who worked so hard to get to this point #Legisl8 pic.twitter.com/NZAsrJHRog
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 13, 2018
“But today, I think mostly of the thousands of women who were forced to make the journey to access care that should have been available in their own country", he added.
Abortion services are expected to begin next month.
