First abortion clinic in island of Ireland to open next week

The first ever clinic to offer abortions on the island of Ireland will open in one weeks' time.

Marie Stopes International is setting up a centre on Great Victoria Street in Belfast.

Marie Stopes International is a not-for-profit organisation which operates in 42 countries around the world.

It is one of the UK's leading providers of sexual and reproductive healthcare services.

The new Belfast clinic will be open to women over the age of 16, including those who travel from the Republic.

Women who attend there will have a consultation and a scan before two doctors assess whether they are eligible for an abortion, up to nine weeks into their pregnancy.

The cost of the non-surgical procedure is expected to cost around £350 (€435).