Some of the major points of the Abortion Reform Bill have been dealt with already.

The key components of the time limits have been addressed. They include the provision that will permit abortion on request up to 14 weeks, and for serious medical or social grounds from 15 to 24 weeks.

An attempt to insert a provision that any abortion procedure must first be signed off by two doctors - rather than one as stipulated in the bill, as written - was defeated.

However, an additional clause that would prevent sex-selective abortions was approved has been added to the bill

Last week, MHKs voted against amendments tabled by Chris Robertshaw (Douglas East) that would have reduced the proposed time limit from abortion on request, from 14 weeks to 12 weeks, and abortion for serious health reasons or serious social concern from 24 to 22 weeks.

He also made an unsuccessful attempt to remove the provision of abortion being permitted on ’serious social’ grounds in the 15-24-week period.

There are more clauses that remain to be considered, covering issues including conscientious objection by health professionals, ’informed consent’ and the duties to be taken on by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Although Mr Robertshaw has failed once with an amendment to change the definition of ’health’ in the bill - to remove reference ’social well-being’ but include reference to ’person or foetus’ - the actual clause containing the definitions has yet to be voted upon in its entirety.

In theory, that means a further amendment could be tabled in an attempt to change the definition, although whether the outcome would be different is another matter - particularly when attempts to remove reference to social issues in later clauses failed.

Another amendment has removed a provision that would have ensured pregnant women who bought abortion pills illegally over the internet could not be prosecuted.