The Tánaiste has welcomed the decision by President Higgins to enact the new abortion legislation.
The President today signed the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill into law, following discussions with the Council of State on the legislation yesterday.
President Higgins could have referred the bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality.
Eamon Gilmore described the signing of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill as a key milestone in Irish Law.
He said the enactment of the abortion legislation, 21 years after the Supreme Court ruling on the X Case, was "a historic moment, particularly for the women of Ireland."
The Tánaiste added: "The core purpose of this legislation is about saving women's lives. It is about providing for a very basic human right.
The Pro Life Campaign described the signing of the bill as "a very sad day".
