Over 450 doctors have signed a petition calling for the amendment of a bill that would allow medics to terminate pregnancies if they believe the mother’s life or health is at risk.

Pro-life group Doctors for Life reached out to doctors to invite them to sign a petition, which calls for the bill to clarify that abortions should only be allowed when there is a “real and substantial risk of loss to the mother’s life from a physical illness”.

“Doctors for Life believes that the wording as proposed by the government will be loosely interpreted to allow for abortion on demand,” a statement by the group reads. “The text contained in the government’s amendment that specifically allows for the termination of a pregnancy where there may be a threat to a woman’s health is of particular concern.”

“This terminology is too vague and unfortunately has led to the introduction of abortion on demand in numerous countries, starting from the UK in 1967. This is due to the holistic definition of the word ‘health’, which encompasses mental health and wellbeing.”

Doctors for Life warned that over 98% of abortions in the UK are carried out for mental health reasons, justifying the concerns raised by the 450 doctors who signed the petition.

“DfL affirms the paramount importance of providing excellent psychiatric care to all pregnant women suffering from mental health issues. Fortunately, current psychiatric medications include several options that are relatively safe in pregnancy, and local specialists provide an excellent peri-natal mental health service ensuring a high level of care for pregnant women.”

“Women facing a crisis pregnancy also require comprehensive psychological, social and financial support that addresses their needs holistically. DfL strongly urges the government not to confuse abortion with psychiatric care or community support.”

“If the government’s intention is to protect a woman’s life and to provide peace of mind to the doctors caring for her, there should be no. impediment for the academics’ clause to be adopted and implemented.

DfL are calling on the general public to sign the petition on salvani.eu endorsing the academics’ amendment and join over 19,000 concerned citizens who have already done so.”

They also urged the public to attend an upcoming protest on Sunday afternoon at Castille Square.