Abortion is illegal in NI, except when the mother's life is at risk.
While the move will not change the law, the guidelines should make clear what is and is not permitted.
It provides guidance on the giving of informed consent from the mother, the provision of counselling both before and after the termination and the responsibility of health and social care organisations to develop and distribute relevant leaflets.
Nursing staff who, on the grounds of conscience, do not wish to assist or perform a termination will also have their rights protected.
Audrey Simpson from the Family Planning Association said the guidelines were the first step towards the government acknowledging that women in certain circumstances had the right to an abortion.
Bernadette Smyth from the group Precious Life, which campaigns against abortion, has not welcomed the guidelines.
"In certain cases where a woman's life in is danger, no doctor will withhold medical treatment from any woman and in some cases a child might lose its life," she said.
"But, as these guidelines are written, it would give doctors full permission to carry out a direct act of violence towards unborn children."
WHEN IS IT LEGAL?
Abortion is only allowed in Northern Ireland if it is necessary to save the life of the woman or if there is a risk of serious, long term damage to her physical or mental health.
Two doctors should normally assess a woman seeking an abortion, though in emergencies one doctor can carry out the assessment. A psychiatrist should be involved if the woman has a history of mental illness.
No-one should compel staff to participate in an assessment or in performing an abortion. The right to conscientious objection should be respected expect in circumstances when the woman's life is in danger and emergency action needs to be taken.
If a GP feels unable to give advice or assessment in relation to an abortion they should refer the woman to another doctor.
The woman seeking an abortion must be competent to understand the procedure and its alternatives in broad terms. The decision must be voluntary and made on the basis of sufficient, accurate information.
Women who are considering or who have undergone an abortion, regardless of where it is carried out, should have access to counselling services. The counselling should be non-judgmental and non-directive.
Aftercare services should be available to any woman who has complications following an abortion regardless of where it was carried out.
Verbal advice should be supported by accurate, impartial printed information that the woman can understand and may take away to consider further. Boards and Trusts should liaise to develop information leaflets
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