Minister Simon Harris yesterday announced that a 24/7 helpline service staffed by medical practitioners will be made available under the new legislation.
The minister made the announcement at a Dáil debate yesterday regarding the new Health Bill (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) which will ensure that there are numerous additional services made available to women who are seeking an abortion.
Ireland’s abortion laws were challenged last May when 66.4% of Irish people voted in favour of repealing the eighth amendment.
The new legislation will allow for terminations to be carried out where there is risk to the health of the pregnant woman and in cases of fatal foetal abnormality.
Terminations can be carried out unrestricted up to 12 weeks.
