In England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, abortion is legal for up to 24 weeks under specific circumstances. In Northern Ireland, this limit is 12 weeks. The Abortion Act 1967 established a framework for legalizing abortion when performed by a qualified medical professional and approved by two doctors who agree that continuing the pregnancy poses a greater risk than the abortion to the life or health of the mother or any of her existing children. Abortion is allowed after 24 weeks (12 in Northern Ireland) only in certain situations.