Psychiatrists have said they will not participate in any compulsory assessment of pregnant women who have suicidal ideation and are seeking a termination.

The College of Psychiatry in Ireland said its members will not be the country's 'social police'.

Its President, Dr Anthony McCarthy, said forcing vulnerable women to undergo psychiatric assessments of up to 12 people was abusive.

He told RTE News that compelling psychiatrists to take part in such a system was an abuse of their profession, which is supposed to offer comfort, compassion and support to vulnerable people.

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 forced assessments.

Dr McCarthy said psychiatrists would provide second opinions, but would not 'collude' in any process compulsory assessment panels.

The Cabinet failed yesterday to reach agreement on abortion legislation, and there are particular divisions over the number of consultants needed to assess whether suicide risk justifies an abortion. It has been reported that under proposals bieng made, between six and 12 doctors would be necessary to assess women at risk.

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