Ireland legalizes abortion under limited circumstances following marathon debate

Ireland has legalised abortion under certain conditions for the first time, following a massive debate.

In a 127-31 vote in the Dail, lawmakers backed allowing a termination when doctors feel that a woman is at risk of taking her own life.

According to the BBC, anti-abortion campaigners said that the bill will allow the intentional killing of the unborn for the first time in the Republic of Ireland.

The move comes after Indian-origin dentist Savita Halappanavar died after being refused an abortion in Ireland.

Experts said that she would have had a higher chance of surviving if she had been offered a termination.