THE abortion debate continues to gather pace in Ireland, with many calling for a third referendum to repeal the eight amendment of Bunreacht na Éireann - the Irish Constitution.
The eighth amendment, supported by the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013, prevents women procuring abortions within the state of Ireland, often forcing women to travel to England to terminate a pregnancy.
Here, we explains what the abortion laws in Ireland and Northern Ireland say and what it means for Irish women.
What does the law say?
According to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013, it is lawful for a woman to have an abortion in Ireland if there is a substantial risk to the woman's life through physical illness or suicide.
In what instance can a woman have an abortion?
In the case of risk from physical illness two medical practitioners - an obstetrician and another medical practitioner - must examine the woman and jointly certify that risk to her life can only be averted by terminating the pregnancy.
In the case where there's a substantial risk to the woman's life by suicide, three medical practitioners must jointly certify that risk can be averted only by termination.
One of the practitioners should be an obstetrician, while the other two practitioners should be psychiatrists; one from the Health Service, and the other from another appropriate institution.
In each of the above scenarios, the terminations must be carried out at an appropriate institution, for example, a maternity hospital.
However, in the case of risk to the pregnant woman's life through physical illness as a result of an emergency, only one medical practitioner must certify that the risk can only be averted if the pregnancy is terminated, and then carry out the procedure.
What if medical practitioners can't agree?
In the instance where medical practitioners can't agree, or don't give an opinion, then the pregnant woman or someone acting on her behalf, can make an application to the Health Service Executive for a review.
The review is carried out by a panel of at least 10 medical practitioners within three days of application, and a decision made within seven days from then.
The woman is then notified in writing of their decision.
And if there's no threat to the her life?
Considering abortion is only lawful in Ireland if there's a risk to the woman's life through physical illness or suicide, and is not legal in the cases of rape, incest, or foetal anomaly.
If the woman wishes to procure an abortion, it is not illegal to travel to another state where it's legal to terminate a pregnancy.
What services are available to Irish women in Ireland who want an abortion?
Women in Ireland are entitled to request information on abortion services in other countries from health care providers or crisis pregnancy counsellors in Ireland.
Women also have the right to receive information on abortion services in other countries as part of a face-to-face counselling session on all options, including parenting, abortion and adoption.
Women can also access free pregnancy counselling, free post abortion counselling and free post-abortion medical check-ups in Ireland - funded by the State.
What's the financial cost to having an abortion abroad?
For a medical termination under nine weeks with abortion pills, it's £425, a surgical abortion under 14 weeks can be up to £485 and a surgical abortion up to 24 weeks is £1,395.
Services like Marie Stopes help cover costs of transport from airports and/or ferry ports.
An overnight stay after treatment is not alway necessary.
What about Northern Ireland?
If the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother in Northern Ireland, or would adversely affect her mental or physical health in a serious way, a medical abortion may be performed.
However, this is only viable if the pregnancy is under nine weeks, four days gestation.
After this gestation period, a woman must travel to Britain to procure an abortion.
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