The Women's Coalition has adopted a policy supporting the introduction of abortion in Northern Ireland.
A motion to extend the 1967 Abortion Act, debated in a closed session at the party's annual conference in Belfast on Saturday, received overwhelming support.
Previously, the coalition's only policy on the issue had been that abortion was a matter for members' individual consciences to decide.
A reproduction and health policy document introduced at the conference recognised the right of members to hold a diversity of moral views on the issue.
"However," the document stated, "the Women's Coalition as a party must address abortion as a health policy issue. Declining to take a clear position is not a responsible option.
"With due respect for the moral opposition of some of our members . . . the party position of the Women's Coalition is that access to safe, legal and affordable abortion is crucial to safeguarding women's health and to promoting gender equality."
The document also covered a wide range of health issues, including sex education, access to contraception and infertility treatments.
One of the members of the working group which produced it, Ms Robin Whitaker, said it was framed "in terms of reducing the overall abortion rate through positive means.
"It offers something to people who are opposed to abortion," she said. "The reality is that women are going to have abortions whether they travel to England or not."
Although the motion received majority support a number of delegates spoke in opposition to it.