Pro-choice campaigners have hailed the Yes vote as a resounding roar for “dignity and decency”.
Politicians and supporters of repealing the 8th Amendment said it was a huge step forward.
They made the comments as final tallies at count centers across Ireland indicate almost 70% of the electorate have voted to liberalize the abortion laws.
Together for Yes co-director Orla O’Connor said the exit poll results showed “a resounding roar from the Irish people” for repealing the Eighth Amendment.
“Our campaign and we will be forever indebted to those women and couples whose own bravery and dignity have moved hearts and changed minds – and given the scale of the victory, changed the country,” Ms O’Connor said.
Co-director Ailbhe Smyth said: “This will be a moment of profound change in Ireland’s social history, a moment when the nation collectively stood up for women and for their healthcare, and voted for constitutional change.
“Together For Yes always knew that Ireland was ready for this change, because of the evidence and facts showing the harm and the pain of the Eighth Amendment.”
Amnesty Ireland executive director Colm O’Gorman said the outcome would be a huge milestone for women’s rights.
Mr O’Gorman said, by voting resoundingly to end the constitutional ban on abortion, Ireland was sending a powerful message to women and girls in Ireland and across the globe.
“This is such an important vote for women’s dignity and bodily autonomy,” Mr O’Gorman said.
Vocal Yes campaigner Dr Peter Boylan described the result as a “watershed moment”.
The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists chairman said he was “very relieved” and felt “vindicated”.
“It’s a wonderful day for Irish women,” Dr Boylan said.
He paid tribute to the women who “told their stories so bravely”.
Dr Boylan also thanked his the consultants at the coalface, who he said witnessed at first hand the reality the Eighth Amendment made.