Thousands of people took part in a pro-life demonstration in the Croatian capital of Zagreb at the weekend, amidst controversy as pro-abortion groups in Croatia want to force doctors to perform abortions against their personal beliefs.

During what was deemed the ‘March for Life’, signs with slogans such as “Unborn children, Croatia’s most endangered minority” and “Unborn lives count too” could be seen among the protesters.

In Croatia, several groups want to limit abortion, which is allowed up to the tenth week of pregnancy. After that period, an abortion can be performed if the health of the woman or the unborn child is in grave danger, or in the case of rape or incest.

However, pro-abortion groups are putting increasing pressure on doctors, many of whom refuse to perform abortions on the grounds of conscientious objection.

One doctor at Saturday’s “Walk For Life” rally in the capital Zagreb said he refused to perform abortions as a matter of conscience.

Surveys suggest that more than half of Croatia’s gynaecologists have a similar stance.