LEO VARADKAR

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has promised a referendum next year on whether to loosen the country’s laws on abortion, one of the strictest in Europe. As of today, the Republic of Ireland’s constitution allows abortion only if the life of the mother is in danger. Women convicted of having an illegal abortion face up to 14 years in jail. But they are allowed to travel abroad for terminations. People “should be given ample time to consider the issues and to take part in a well-informed debate,” Varadkar said.