Bishop Peter Eagles, who is set to table a series of amendments to the Abortion Reform Bill today, is also planning to call witnesses for the second reading stage.

Arrangements had already been made for Dr Alex Allinson (Ramsey), who guided the bill through the House of Keys, to give evidence.

But now it has been confirmed the Bishop also plans to call three witnesses, in a move that may further antagonise both pro-choice campaigners and those who do not believe the Bishop should have an overtly political role in Tynwald.

Expert witnesses were previously called to give evidence to the House of Keys, the elected chamber.

They three witnesses the Bishop plans to call are:

Professor John Wyatt, emeritus professor of ethics and perinatology at University College, London, to give evidence on pre-natal and neo-natal care.

Dr Mary Neal, senior lecturer, Law School, University of Strathclyde, to give evidence regarding conscientious objection.

Maire Stapleton, pharmacist, to give evidence regarding the role and responsibilities of pharmacists under the bill.

Another MLC, Tanya August-Hanson, plans to call counsellor Debbie Morrisey, to provide expert evidence on counselling in the island and in the UK.

The bill is due to start its second reading and clauses stage today, although with the number of witness now due to be called, it is unclear how much progress will be made.