Abortion becomes legal in Northern Ireland – but the reality for women is still unclear

Analysis: It is a fundamental change in law for the region, but there are still questions to answer about how it will be implemented, writes Maya Oppenheim

Pro-choice supporters gather outside Stormont (AFP)

Abortion might have just been decriminalised in Northern Ireland but it will take some time for the new laws around terminations to be decided on and clearly outlined.

Northern Ireland has long had a ban on abortion in almost all circumstances – even rape and incest – and women seeking a termination can face life in prison.

But MPs in Westminster voted to extend the right to abortion to Northern Ireland back in July, and it was agreed that abortion would be made legal if a devolved executive at Stormont was not restored by 21 October. That deadline has now passed and the procedure has been on the books since midnight.