WOMEN from Northern Ireland are able to undergo abortions in Welsh NHS hospitals from today, it has been announced.

Currently abortion is illegal in Northern Ireland except when the mother's life is at risk or there is a permanent and serious risk to her physical and mental health.

Pregnancies resulting from rape or sexual abuse by a family member cannot be terminated. It is also illegal to abort a baby who will be born with serious abnormalities.

But now Wales' health secretary Vaughan Gething has announced women from Northern Ireland will be able to undergo abortions in Welsh NHS hospitals.

He said: “Our view has always been a woman from Northern Ireland, in Wales, should be able to access termination of pregnancy on the same basis as women in Wales.

“We anticipate the number of women from Northern Ireland accessing these services to be low and health boards have assured us they are able to absorb this provision within existing resources.

“I have asked my officials to conduct a review of the position after six months.”