A number of residents from the European state of San Marino have voted to legalise abortion
Nearly half of San Marino residents participated in the referendum polls, with approximately 77 per cent in support of the change and around 23% opposing it.
The traditionally catholic microstate is one of the last places in Europe with anti-abortion laws dating back to 1865.
Currently, those who undergo the procedure face up to three years in jail, while participating doctors could be subject to up to six years.
Nobody has ever been convicted. Usually women who choose to have an abortion travel to Italy, where it has been legal since 1978.
The move would allow people to access abortion within their state, removing the need to travel overseas for the treatment.
San Marino has a strong Catholic heritage and has long been socially conservative.
