SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and deputy Nichola Mallon are united in their desire for the party to allow a free vote on the issue of abortion.
The party meets this Saturday to debate the potential liberalisation of its abortion policy.
A handful of motions relating to abortion were withdrawn from last month's annual conference to enable members more time to debate them. This Saturday's one-off conference in Walsh's Hotel Maghera will discuss motions ranging from the retention of the SDLP's pro-life stance to advocating a policy of allowing terminations in cases of rape and incest.
Members at this weekend's event in Co Derry, which will be closed to the public and media, will also debate a motion calling for a conscience vote on matters relating to abortion.
It comes just days ahead of the Republic's May 25 referendum on the Eighth Amendment of the constitution, which protects the rights of the unborn child.
Abortion is only legal in the south if the mother's life it at risk. In Northern Ireland, abortion is only permitted if a woman's life is at risk or there is a permanent or serious risk to her mental or physical health.
Ahead of last month's annual conference, the SDLP leader declined to say whether he would advocate a free vote on terminations.
"I have a view on that but I think the best thing is to have that discussion internally first," he said.
"I don't want to be trying to lead people through the media."
Mr Eastwood said he and the party's deputy leader held pro-life views that reflected party policy.
However, several party sources have confirmed to The Irish News that both Mr Eastwood and Ms Mallon support a move to conscience voting on abortion – though neither is expected to state their position ahead of Saturday.
A party spokeswoman said Saturday's conference would "allow membership the opportunity to discuss this sensitive issue in a respectful, compassionate and fair manner".
