It will be January of next year before new abortion laws come into effect.
The news comes after Health Minister Simon Harris was given approval by the Cabinet at a meeting this morning.
Received Government approval today to draft the new law following the decision of the people of . This is one of 3 important pieces of work we need to undertake - the other two being clincial guidelines & regulation of medicines. Work underway! Let’s get it done
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD)
However, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned that trying to change current legislation now might delay the bill from passing.
Speaking earlier today, the Taoiseach said:
"We will need clinical guidelines as well, and it will be necessary to regulate and licence the new medicines."
"It's still our anticipation that it will be the end of the year, 1st of January 2019, before we have fully given effect to the will of the people, even with the best intentions."
Mr. Varadkar has also committed to implementing measures to help end the number of crisis pregnancies.
He has promised better sex education and more access to contraception in the future.
