PRO-CHOICE advocates have used a rally to urge supporters to lobby MPs, who are being flooded with confronting anti-abortion material ahead of what is expected to be an emotional debate in State Parliament this week.
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About 250 men and women rallied outside Parliament in Hobart yesterday in favour of proposed legislation to decriminalise terminations.
The gathering was organised after two pro- life demonstrations were held outside Parliament last week, including one involving school children.
Greens MHA Cassy O'Connor, who intends to vote for the bill, said pro-choice supporters were being drowned out by a wave of overwhelmingly negative correspondence.
Ms O'Connor said some of it had been extreme.
"My colleagues and staff have been accused of supporting a death state just for acknowledging their email," Ms O'Connor told the rally.
She said the debate was shaping up to be the most difficult she had experienced in Parliament.
"I personally find the issue very challenging."
Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne, who tabled the Reproductive Health Bill as a private member's bill last week, hopes debate will start tomorrow.
All parties will grant a conscience vote on the bill.
Discussions continued over the weekend between Ms O'Byrne and Greens leader Nick McKim who is opposed to a ban on protests inside a 150-metre zone of abortion clinics.
