The Citizens’ Assembly have voted in favour of changing abortion laws

The Citizens’ Assembly have voted today to amend the current laws on abortion.

In an overwhelmingly vote of 87 per cent to 13 per cent, the majority of the assembly feel that legislation to change the 8th amendment is needed.

#CitizensAssembly Ballot 1 Result: 87% of the members have voted that Art 40.3.3 should not be retained in full

— Citizens' Assembly (@CitizAssembly) April 22, 2017

The assembly was given a ballot paper this morning with two options. 

The first read that 'Article 40.3.3 should be retained in full', while  the second said that Article 40.3.3 should not be retained in full'.

Wording of draft ballot 1: "Do you think Article 40.3.3 should be retained in full or not retained in full?" #CitizensAssembly pic.twitter.com/VnylVQJzKR

— Citizens' Assembly (@CitizAssembly) April 22, 2017

The second vote was expected to get underway this afternoon, but a current power outage to the building has put a temporary hold on proceedings.

The results of Ballot 2, which will decide is the 8th amendment should be repealed entirely or amended, should be announced at 2.30pm.