A FORMER high-profile member of Sinn Féin has described Michelle O'Neill's views on abortion as "disingenuous".
Anne Brolly, who left the party because of its stance on terminations, called on Sinn Féin to "come out and tell us what they really believe".
It comes after Sinn Féin's northern leader said she will vote in favour of liberalising the party's abortion policy when members gather for its ard fheis.
Ms O'Neill said she would support one motion being brought forward which, not only advocates abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, rape or sexual abuse, but also "where a woman’s life, health or mental health is at serious risk or in grave danger".
Saying the party "isn't in favour of abortion" she insisted when explained to constituents why the more liberal policy was being adopted, they would understand.
The ard fheis will also debate a motion that proposes giving Sinn Féin representatives a 'conscience vote' on abortion.
But Mrs Brolly, who left Sinn Féin after it changed its abortion policy to allow terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, said she believed the party was giving "out mixed signals".
"I think Michelle is being disingenuous to suggest Sinn Féin is reinstating its current policy with additional features, yet states later that the party isn't in favour of abortion," she said.
"It's very confusing and gives out very mixed signals. Sinn Féin must come out and tell us what they really believe.
"I find it very distressing, especially when we talk about women's choice, but there is no human right to take the life of a child."
Mrs Brolly added: "Sinn Féin talk about trust, they should trust their members with a conscience vote, that they can speak out".
Meanwhile, Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has called on the north's director of prosecutions Barra McGrory to publish codes of practice relating to the 'rape clause' after he said it would be "highly unlikely" a woman would be prosecuted for revealing she was raped in order to claim child benefits, but he could not guarantee it.
New government rules on child benefits will mean no payments made for a third child unless conceived in the case of rape.
Ms Bradshaw said: "Women who have been the victim of rape risk being further traumatised in having to reveal their experience....
"I am calling on Barra McGrory to issue guidance to prosecutors to assure all relevant practitioners dealing with women in these cases and the women themselves of their position in respect of these matters."
