Dáil passes landmark abortion bill after days of debate

The Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Bill has been approved by the Dáil.

Late on Wednesday night, Dáil Éireann passed a landmark abortion services bill — bringing to fruition the results of the referendum on repealing the Eighth Amendment, held in May. TDs voted in favour of the abortion legislation by 90 votes to 15. 12 TDs abstained from voting. Minister for Health Simon Harris, a key proponent of repealing the Eighth Amendment, wrote on Twitter: "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." https://twitter.com/SimonHarrisTD/status/1070469322873716741 Linda Kavanagh, spokesperson for the Abortion Rights Campaign said: "This legislation has been a long time coming. The people of Ireland have been fighting for over 35 years to access abortion at home. Since Ireland’s decisive yes vote on May 25th, more than 1,650 people have travelled overseas for an abortion and over 550 have imported safe, but illegal, abortion pills. The cruel reality of the 8th Amendment continues." The Seanad will now deliberate upon the bill.