Northern Ireland's Attorney General has called for an investigation into the opening of the country's first private abortion clinic.
John Larkin, who is the chief legal adviser to the Stormont Executive, has written to the justice committee asking it look into the practices of the new facility which officially opens on Thursday.
The request comes as up to 150 anti-abortion activists gathered to protest outside the Marie Stopes centre on Belfast's Great Victoria Street.
Northern Ireland's attorney general has called for an investigation into the opening of the country's first private abortion clinic
Protesters carrying placards, some showing graphic images of foetuses, have sung hymns and prayed throughout the morning.
Daire Fitzgerald, 51, travelled from Dublin to take part. He said: "I was shocked to hear that Marie Stopes is opening in Ireland. There is no need. It is just horrible that they have moved here - people on both sides of the border do not want this."
The new facility will offer terminations up to nine weeks' gestation, each costing £450.
In Northern Ireland abortion is strictly controlled. The procedure is only permitted if the life or mental health of the mother is at serious risk.
Dawn Purvis, director of Marie Stopes Northern Ireland said: “We are delighted to be opening today and look forward to welcoming people into our world class sexual and reproductive health centre this afternoon. For the first time, the people of Northern Ireland can visit a single health centre for information, advice and help with contraception, HIV and sexually transmitted infections and – when the legal requirements are met -early medical abortion."
A spokesman for the attorney general's office confirmed that a letter had been sent to the Stormont justice committee's DUP chairman, Paul Givan.
A spokesman for the attorney general's office confirmed that a letter had been sent to the Stormont justice committee's DUP chairman
In it, Mr Larkin said he was not allowed to intervene in an official capacity but could offer advice, act as counsel and interview witnesses in a non-statutory role as guardian of the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Marie Stopes has insisted its new centre, which is headed by former Progressive Unionist Party MLA Dawn Purvis, will operate within the current legal framework, providing medical not surgical terminations up to nine weeks' gestation with aftercare including counselling.
Bernadette Smyth, from the Precious Life lobby group which organised the anti-abortion, said: "There is no will for Marie Stopes to be here, they are not welcome here. The people here want to make a stand. Unborn children here are precious and there is no will for abortion to be legalised here from the people or politicians. It's clear that unborn children are protected here.
"We are still seeking legal advice. I would not rule out an injunction. I am still working with the justice system and our politicians to ensure that Marie Stopes does not take the lives of any unborn children."