Ireland to offer free abortions following amendment repeal

Ireland revoked the ban on abortion this week, and under new law expected to reach legislature next month, women won’t have to front the cost of services, NPR reports citing the country's Health Minister Simon Harris.

Why it matters: When the ban on abortion was enforced in Ireland under the Eighth Amendment, thousands of women traveled to the United Kingdom to have the procedure done. By keeping the procedure free through the Irish healthcare system, Harris says he hopes to prevent the start of private clinics and deter women from traveling outside Ireland to seek abortions, per the Irish Examiner.