Mexico City ? A new measure legalizing abortions in Mexico City was published into law on Thursday, allowing doctors to almost immediately begin terminating pregnancies in their first trimester.

City Health Secretary Manuel Mondragon said early-term abortions will be legal starting today for women who are nearing the 12-week limit and cannot wait. Women whose pregnancies are less advanced must wait until the law’s regulations are published. Authorities have 60 days to publish them, but are expected to do it next week.

He also said that except in cases of medical emergency, women will have to prove residency in the capital, a city of 9 million – addressing the widespread belief that the law would make the capital a magnet for women across Mexico seeking abortions. Girls younger than 18 would need parental consent.

The procedure will be free and available at 14 of the 28 city hospitals. Mondragon said each facility will be able to carry out seven abortions a day.