However, Bass Labor MHA Michelle O'Byrne, who is leading the push to decriminalise abortions in Tasmania, said yesterday they don't understand the situation under existing laws.

"I do remind the community there is no restriction on the time that a termination can take place in Tasmania now. It is very much the subject of a clinical decision in consultation with the needs and requirements of the mother," Ms O'Byrne said.

"Clearly people who have said `it's terrible we're now going to allow them up to 24 weeks' haven't realised that within the framework that we have in the criminal code, terminations can and have been performed at later times in Australia and in Tasmania."

Ms O'Byrne's proposed reproductive health bill would remove abortion from the criminal code, allow access to abortion up to 24-weeks gestation, and access after 24 weeks if two doctors find it is necessary for a woman's well- being.

Ms O'Byrne said the point of the proposed legislation was to ensure access to safe and legal terminations for all women, which had not been possible while it was covered by the criminal code.

Ms O'Byrne's office was the target of a silent protest yesterday - the second since the release of the proposed new laws - attended by about 150 people opposed to the changes.

West Hobart nurse Amanda-Sue Markham started an e-petition on the Tasmanian Parliament website on Tuesday opposing late- term abortions.

The petition refers to a poll commissioned by pro-life organisation Emily's Voice, which found 73 per cent of 300 Tasmanian respondents were opposed to late- term (post 20 weeks) abortions.

Ms Markham said she was not surprised by the strong response.

The public comment period has been extended to April 5.