The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that abortions are now available in the island.

Regulations setting out how the new law will be enforced were agreed in Tynwald this week, paving the way for the Act to become operational in Manx law from today.

The change came about from a Private Member’s Bill authored by Ramsey MHK Dr Alex Allinson.

A DHSC spokesman said: ’The Act is now operational and a service is being provided through our partners at BPAS, via the helpline.

’The first on-island clinic is scheduled for next week. It is expected a small number of surgical abortions will have to be carried out off-island.’

More details and reaction will be in the Examiner, in shops and available online from Tuesday, May 28.