MORE than 800 health care professionals have written to the secretary of state opposing the liberalisation of Northern Ireland's abortion laws.
Doctors, nurses and midwives are among those who have signed the open letter to express that they are "deeply concerned" about planned changes in the law relating to termination.
In the letter to Julian Smith, they state that they "wish to make known our opposition to the imminent introduction of abortion in Northern Ireland".
Unless the Stormont assembly is restored by October 21, restrictions on abortion in the north will be drastically reduced.
Legislation brought in by MPs at Westminster means abortion will be decriminalised - and the government will have to put in place regulations for abortion services by next April.
But in the letter from health care professionals, which was also sent to permanent health secretary Richard Pengelly, they state that their "concern throughout is for pregnant mothers and their unborn children" and that "our consciences demand that we not be silent".
"The concept of taking a human life at any stage is inimical to us, and the concept of taking a human life in the womb especially so," they wrote.
The group also "appeal to the UK government not to impose this unwanted legislation".
"We appeal to our elected representatives to re-establish a functional Northern Ireland government so that democratic process be restored," they state.
"We appeal to the wider society to consider and reflect on the humanity and value of every life, from conception to death, that the weakest and most vulnerable would be protected and cherished by all."
