Bill legalising abortions ‘as quickly as possible’

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has promised to introduce legislation to legalise abortions “as quickly as possible,” and says drafting of the bill will begin immediately.

Following Friday’s historic vote, wherein 66.4% of people voted to repeal the Eighth Amendment, Mr Varadkar has appeared to rule out special sittings of the Dáil to fast-track the legislation.

Speaking exclusively to the Irish Examiner, he said time will be needed during the summer to properly prepare the new legal framework, including allowing for largely unrestricted access to abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy.