TORY representatives in the Wee County have been called upon to speak out against the controversial rape clause.

Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, SNP MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, labelled the article "barbaric" in a caustic appraisal of the UK Government's welfare policy.

She said: "This shocking and inhumane policy must be opposed and I call on Tory party representatives at all levels in Clackmannanshire to buck the trend of their nasty party and their Scottish leader's shameful support of such an appalling violation of women's rights."

The outrage stems from proposed changes to child tax credits – a benefit that helps with the cost of raising a child.

Two years ago, the Conservative government announced a two-child cap, meaning families will not receive help with a third dependent or beyond.

A handful of exceptions were included, one of which was a provision that children born of "non-consensual conception" would be eligible.

Campaigners have vehemently opposed the clause, arguing that a woman should not have to tell the government she was raped to receive help raising children.

The exemption also states that women involved in an abusive relationship at the time, or were subject to coercion, can apply, but not if they still live with the child's father.

MS Ahmed-Sheikh added: "Why do the Tory party in Scotland not take a stand for Scottish women's human rights?

"Can you imagine the trauma for a mother to relive such horrors in order to gain much-needed financial support and the stigma attached to mother and child in the process?

"No additional funds for healthcare training have been set aside in order to train staff to assess evidence of rape. In addition, many sexual violence support charities like Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women's Aid are firmly refusing to act as third party verifiers for the UK government.

"With the council elections just around the corner and the country preparing for a snap General Election, I want to reassure local voters that I will be doing everything in my power to fight for and protect the fundamental human rights of women and children in Scotland."

Child tax credits can be worth up to £2,780 per year for each dependent and can make a huge difference to low-income families.

Conservatives, both in Holyrood and Westminster, have backed the reform and were the only party absent from MSP protests outside the Scottish Parliament recently.

Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: "These changes mean that, as of this year, the same financial considerations will apply to people on benefits as to those supporting themselves through working.

"We support [the] exemptions. We think it is right that the two-child rule exists, but that particular circumstances should also be recognised.

He added: "Women will not be forced to either report their rape as a crime, bring new proof of rape or proof of a conviction, or report it directly to HMRC.

"The DWP has made clear that women will be offered support from experienced third party professionals who will be able to confirm that exceptions should apply.

"I believe that given the sensitive nature of the issue, the situation should be monitored, and any improvements to the process made as required."