Abortion act will be law on January 1

The Department of Health yesterday confirmed that the controversial Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act will come into effect on New Year’s day.

The act was signed into law by President Michael D Higgins on Jul 30 after he chose not to refer it to the Supreme Court following a meeting of the Council of State.

The act allows for the termination of a pregnancy when the is a real and substantial risk to the health of the mother, including the risk of suicide.