Irish president signs bill legalising abortion Published duration 20 December 2018 Related Topics Irish abortion referendum

image copyright Getty Images image caption The Republic of Ireland voted to overturn its abortion ban in a referendum in May

Irish President Michael D Higgins has signed the bill that legalises abortion in the Republic of Ireland.

The new law allows for abortion services to be provided "on demand" up to the 12th week of a pregnancy.

It also applies in the case of a fatal foetal abnormality or where the physical or mental health of the mother is in danger.

The Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Bill completed its passage through the Irish parliament last Thursday with a nine-hour debate in the senate.

Since the bill's introduction to the Irish parliament in October, there have been some minor changes, including a decision to review the legislation after three years, rather than five years as was originally planned.