LISBON, March 9 (Reuters) - Portugal's parliament approved, as expected, a law to lift the ban on abortion by a majority vote late on Thursday.

The move to legalise abortion during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy came after a referendum on the issue failed because too few people turned out to vote. Of those who did vote in the referendum, the majority approved of lifting the ban.

The new law still needs to be endorsed by Portugal's President Anibal Cavaco Silva.

When the ban is ended Portugal, a traditionally Catholic country, will join most European countries in allowing abortion. Malta, Ireland and Poland do not.

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