On May 25, the Irish voted on the repeal of the 8th amendment to the Constitution, which denied a woman the right to abort unless her life was in danger. The answer to the referendum? Large yes, at 66%. Seven months later, on Thursday 13 December, the Irish Parliament passed the bill to legalize abortion, reports France TV info website.
Until 2013, abortion was punishable by life imprisonment in Ireland. And this, since 1861! In the past few years, the sentence had increased to 14 years in prison. Irish women were forced to travel to the UK to be able to have an abortion, at their expense. There were about 5,000 a year. But soon women will be able to stay in Ireland to have an abortion.
Unconditional abortion up to 12 weeks
What does this text contain? It allows Irish women to abort freely, without any conditions, for up to 12 weeks. If the pregnancy poses a serious risk to the health of the mother, abortion will be possible for up to 24 weeks. For cases of fetal anomaly that risk causing death in utero, abortion is possible without a deadline.
A historic second vote, three years after the legalization of same-sex marriage in Ireland. Before the law comes into force, it still needs to be signed by Irish President Michael Higgins.
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