Witnesses called by Bishop Peter Eagles to support his arguments against aspects of the Abortion Reform Bill began their evidence this morning.

The Bishop, who is also set to table a series of amendments to the Abortion Reform Bill at the clauses stage, warned that unless he could be persuaded otherwise, he would vote against the second reading of the bill.

He called three witnesses to go before the Legislative Council today.

The first to give evidence was Professor John Wyatt, a professor of ethics and perinatology at University College, London, to give evidence on pre-natal and neo-natal care,

Professor Wyatt, who has written numerous articles for the Christian Medical Fellowship website, aired his concerns at the provision in the bill for abortion on request up to 14 weeks. He argued 12 weeks - as adopted by many European countries - was a preferable limit.

When questioned about the provision for abortion in specified circumstances in the 15-23-week period and in very serious circumstances after 24 weeks, he said that at well-equipped university hospitals, up to 50% of babies born at 23 weeks could survive, although he admitted the national average in the UK was much lower.

When questioned by other MLCs, he confirmed his Christian beliefs and that he was speaking personally and not as a representative of any of the organisations to which he belonged.

The next witness called by the Bishop was Dr Mary Neal, senior lecturer, Law School, University of Strathclyde.

She expressed concern that the provisions for conscientious objection had greater protection for those already in employment that those applying for a job.

Once again, she confirmed that her evidence was her own, rather than on behalf of any of the organisations with which she was involved.

When asked what her position was on abortion, she said it was ’nuanced’ and there were instances where she felt it was ’morally permissible’ but there were other times when she would have ’reservations’.

Pharmacist Maire Stapleton has also been called by the Bishop, but has yet to give evidence, while Tanya August-Hanson, plans to call counsellor Debbie Morrisey.

Additionally, Dr Alex Allinson (Ramsey), who guided the bill through the House of Keys, is also available to give evidence.

Before the arrival of the witnesses, most had been confident the second reading and clauses stage - which are often completed at the same sitting of Legislative Council - would be both dealt with today, despite the large number of amendments tabled.

While some MLCs remained hopeful at the lunch break, the fact evidence is set to carry on into the afternoon may put that in question.