THE SDLP's special conference to review its position on abortion will be held in May and before the Republic's referendum on the eighth amendment.
However, the party was yesterday unable to confirm the specific date for the conference.
The SDLP had been set to debate several motions on abortion – which included allowing a 'freedom of conscience' vote – at its annual conference at Titanic Belfast next weekend.
But party leader Colum Eastwood on Thursday confirmed its management committee had decided to instead postpone the issue to a special conference.
It will take place ahead of the Republic's referendum on May 25 on whether to repeal the eighth amendment governing its abortion laws.
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.
Mr Eastwood said the SDLP is a "pro-life party" and there are no plans to change this, but they would discuss whether people can also "have that option of a moral conscience".
"We are not talking about changing the fundamental position, the party position is pro-life but the party membership set out our policies," he told BBC's The View programme.
"What we are talking about and what is up for discussion is the issue around conscience.
"Can we allow people to have that option of a moral conscience? That is the discussion across every political party in Ireland – so it would be strange for us not to have that discussion."
He added: "The SDLP's position has been what it's always been. We're a pro-life party, we're opposed to the extension of the 1967 Act, but we will have a discussion as we should in a democratic party."
Earlier this month, Sinn Féin decided to move its party conference to June – after the south's referendum – to allow members to debate its abortion policy.
The party will campaign for the repeal of the eighth amendment, but it does not support abortion without restrictions during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy – the policy that will be put before the Dáil if the referendum passes.
Sinn Féin's Ard Fheis in June will consider amending its policy to be in line with the Joint Oireachtas Committee's recommendation.
