In which EU country was abortion still illegal until 2018?

Until 2018, the Republic of Ireland was the only country in the European Union where abortion was still illegal. The Eighth Amendment to the Irish Constitution, which was passed in 1983, effectively banned abortion in all circumstances, even in cases of rape, incest, or fatal fetal abnormalities. This strict anti-abortion law led many women to travel abroad to access safe and legal abortion services.

However, on May 25, 2018, the Irish people voted in a historic referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment and legalize abortion. The result of the referendum was a landslide victory for the pro-choice movement, with 66.4% of voters choosing to repeal the amendment. This marked a significant turning point for women's rights in Ireland and brought the country in line with the rest of the European Union in terms of abortion laws.

Following the referendum, the Irish government passed the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act in December 2018, which legalized abortion in Ireland. Under the new law, women in Ireland have the right to access abortion services up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and in cases of fatal fetal abnormalities or risk to the woman's health.

The legalization of abortion in Ireland was a major step forward for women's reproductive rights in the country and has had a positive impact on the lives of countless women. It has allowed women to access safe and legal abortion services within their own country, without having to travel abroad or face stigma and judgment.

Overall, the repeal of the Eighth Amendment in Ireland in 2018 was a historic moment for women's rights in the European Union. It marked a significant shift towards a more progressive and compassionate approach to reproductive rights, and has paved the way for other countries in the EU to reconsider their own abortion laws.

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