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The biggest questions from the referendum campaign answered

The Irish Times has put together a Q&A to try and answer the biggest questions that have been circulating throughout the referendum campaign. Here’s a few of the most important to help you with your vote today...

What is the Government proposing to do if the amendment is repealed?

In the event of a Yes vote, article 40.3.3 would be removed and be replaced with an enabling provision stating: “Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.”

The current law remains in place until any new legislation is passed by the Oireachtas. The Government is proposing it be replaced and has published the general scheme of a Bill.

In what circumstances would abortion be available under the proposed new legislation?

Under the Government plans, terminations would be accessible within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. A woman would seek a termination from a medical practitioner, who would have a legal obligation to discuss the woman’s options with her. A three-day waiting period will then be enforced. After that, the woman can have abortion if she still intends to terminate the pregnancy.

Will abortions be available after 12 weeks?

In very specific circumstances, yes. If there is a risk to a woman’s life or of serious harm to her health, two medical practitioners will be asked to determine if an abortion should be permitted.

Terminations in these instances will not be carried out beyond viability, which is reached at 24 weeks. In the case of an emergency, one medical practitioner will be permitted to perform an abortion if there is an immediate risk to the life of the pregnant woman, or of serious harm to her health. There are no gestational limits applied in these circumstances.

Abortions will also be available if a woman is informed that the foetus will not survive outside the womb or will die shortly after due to a fatal abnormality.

Will there be late-term abortions?

Beyond the 24th week of pregnancy, there will be no abortions except in the cases of fatal foetal abnormalities or when there is an immediate risk to the woman’s life or health. No gestational limits will apply in these circumstances.

Will the health service have the capacity to provide this service?

The Government has insisted it will provide financial resources to provide terminations in the event of a Yes vote and that it will enter into a period of consultation with medical representative groups.

How will Ireland's abortion regime compare to the rest of Europe?

Ireland, Northern Ireland, Poland and Malta the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe. If the legislation is passed, Ireland will be in line with 20 other European countries in allowing access to terminations up to the 12th week of pregnancy. Romania, Spain and Iceland allow for access up to 14 weeks; Sweden permits access to abortion until the 18th week; while it is lawful until the 24th week in Britain and the Netherlands.

If there is a No vote, what happens?

The current situation remains.