A group of almost 70 psychiatrists will this morning tell TDs and senators they are \”deeply concerned\” at the Government\\\’s plan to legislate for abortion where there is a threat of suicide.

The group of 68 psychiatrists signed a statement calling for any proposal to be based on a \”rigorous appraisal of the available psychiatric research and medical evidence”, the Irish Independent reports.

\”We believe that legislation that includes a proposal that an abortion should form part of the treatment for suicidal ideation has no basis in the medical evidence available.

\”We as psychiatrists are being called upon to participate in a process that is not evidence-based and we do not believe that this should be asked of the profession,\” the statement said.

The statement originated from a letter to colleagues sent by psychiatrists Dr Bernie McCabe, Dr Jacqueline Montwill, Dr Richelle Kirrane and Dr Martin Mahon.

Perinatal psychiatrist Dr Anthony McCarthy, of the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street, Dublin, said forcing psychiatrists to participate in this kind of system was an abuse of their profession.

The news comes after the College of Psychiatry in Ireland, the representative body of Irish psychiatrists, said they would not participate in any compulsory assessment of pregnant women who have suicidal ideation and are seeking an abortion.

The president of the College, Dr Anthony McCarthy, said that the idea of requiring vulnerable women to undergo mandatory psychiatric assessments of up to 12 people was abusive.

Speaking to RTÉ News, Dr McCarthy said compelling psychiatrists to take part in such a system was abusing their profession.

Dr McCarthy said the Government has to deal with the abortion issue and legislate adequately for it, and should not pass the social control of a situation onto psychiatrists.

He said it was the position of the college that they would not take part in such panels of assessment.

Dr McCarthy said psychiatrists would be happy to continue to provide second opinions, as is normal professional practice, but would not take part in any process of formalised compulsory assessment panels.

Psychiatrists would not act as judges, tasked with assessing whether a woman was feeling suicidal, he said.