Women from Northern Ireland can now get free abortions in Scotland.

They are illegal in Northern Ireland except for when the woman’s life is at risk.

The new regulations were announced in July and came into force on Monday.

Public health minister Aileen Campbell said: “Abortion can be an emotive subject, however I am proud this government is working hard to ensure women are always able to access clinically safe services.

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“That’s why we have taken action to ensure that women from Northern Ireland can freely access abortion services through NHS Scotland.

“I also recognise the barriers that women from Northern Ireland face when they have to travel to access abortion services which is why we are exploring what more we can do to address them.

“Once again this underlines Scotland’s commitment to ensuring we have a health service that puts patient care and dignity at its very heart.”