Irish President Signs Abortion Bill Tuesday July 30,2013

Irish President Michael D Higgins signed the bill into law on Tuesday July 30,2013.

A meeting of the president's advisory body, the Council of State, was held on Monday to consider the bill.
President Higgins held four hours of talks with the council before making his decision.
The President had until Wednesday to either sign the bill into law or refer it to the Supreme Court to assess its constitutionality.

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act will allow terminations to be carried out where there is a threat to the life of the mother.
It will also be allowed where there is medical consensus that the expectant mother will take her own life over her pregnancy
President Higgins' signing of the bill into law, means it does not have to be forwarded to the Supreme Court to determine whether it is constitutional