Abortion boat on its way here

A Dutch boat is on its way to Ireland, fitted with an abortion clinic and security equipment to protect the ship against pro-life activists.

Starting with Ireland, the privately-funded Women on Waves said it is offering its floating clinic for legal abortions in international waters off the coast of countries where the practice is outlawed or restricted.

It will also offer contraceptives and family planning counselling.

The chartered ship and its 10 member crew - eight of them women - hastily left Scheveningen, near The Hague, when port authorities ordered it to clear the quay for a cargo vessel.

It is due to reach Dublin later this week.