THE MP who uncovered the rape clause had said it may be too late to stop it after the government moved to make it law without a parliamentary vote.
Alison Thewliss first drew attention the rule after it was included without fanfare in a Budget drawn up by then-Chancellor George Osborne in 2015.
Yesterday she hit out after Theresa May’s government added the clause to existing legislation on Wednesday afternoon.
The move means the controversial tax credits rule will come into effect within a month, unless Thewliss can prevent it using a little-used block that was last deployed successfully in 1979.
She said: “Using such an underhand parliamentary tactic to railroad the rape clause into law is just the final insult this government could possibly dish out.
“Not only did ministers sneak out their shameful consultation response as the eyes of the world were watching Donald Trump’s inauguration, but they’re now trying to put the rape clause on the statute books without a vote or debate, let alone any detailed scrutiny by MPs.
“The government must accept this policy is unworkable as well as immoral. With just days until nurses, doctors and social workers are expected to verify whether women had their third child as the result of rape, it’s clear there’s been no sexual violence training for those working with such vulnerable women.
“This is frankly astonishing, especially when you consider that the government is trying to railroad this through using medieval parliamentary procedures.
“This fight isn’t over yet. I’ll do everything in my power to ensure parliament gets its say on this cruel policy.”
Women’s rights groups, domestic violence charities and campaigners were appalled when the rape clause was revealed.
While parents will no longer receive tax credits for more than two children, the rule provides an exemption for rape victims – so long as they can prove the child was conceived through assault.
However, uncertainty remains about how eligible women can seek the necessary consultation with a “professional third party”, exactly what they will have to do, and what protections will be offered.
The government says all changes will be “delivered in the most compassionate way”.
Responding to Thewliss’s comments, a government spokesman said: “It’s absolutely right that we have the right exemptions in place and we have thought carefully about how we will work with charities and health and social care professionals to support victims of rape.
“We will be publishing guidance shortly.”
Thewliss has tabled a motion of prayer for annulment in a bid to block the rule, and has cross-party support.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here