More than 300 doctors packed into the state capitol Wednesday for what they call a statewide emergency.

They say the rising cost of insurance they're required to pay is driving some of them out of the health care business.

The physicians called their gathering the "White Coat Rally."

The doctors said the health care system needs healing. They said that patients are losing access to health care because they can't afford the rising cost of malpractice insurance.

Rally participants are asking the General Assembly to pass some reforms.

"Without these reforms, doctors are limiting their practice (and) retiring early, which is causing patients to go without needed services. The Legislature is beginning to understand this message," said Dr. John Evans with the South Carolina Medical Association.

One of the key reforms rallying doctors want is a $250,000 limit for pain and suffering damages.

Some trial attorneys said that figure is too low.

"I've got a client that I represented about two years ago who's my age and wound up with a colostomy because the doctor didn't diagnose colon cancer. He's wearing a bag now, and he's impotent, and you're telling me that a $250,000 limit would be the extent of recovery in that," said trial attorney Bill Jordan.

The group of doctors said they do not want to limit awards for lost wages, medical costs and other economic damages.

They say maybe trial attorneys should limit their fees.

"Why would the attorney have to take 33 and a third to 50 percent of the reward? Give more money to the injured party," said Dr. Donald Palmisano with the American Medical Association.

Trial attorney Bill Jordan said the doctors should be targeting the insurance industry.

Gov. Mark Sanford also spoke at the rally Wednesday. He released a similar list of proposed reforms he wants the general assembly to pass.