Nationals MLC Wes Fang views ending protests within 150-metres of reproductive medical rooms as a “practical step to protecting rights” of patients.

His chamber will on Thursday vote on a bill for safe zones that has been co-sponsored by National Trevor Khan and Labor member Penny Sharpe.

“I’m absolutely supporting the bill,” Mr Fang said.

“While I understand the importance of free speech, and the right to protest, the right to privacy is more important, particularly at a time when women are vulnerable they deserve the right to safe access.

“It isn’t just about abortion, there are a number of reasons why people might use these clinics.

“People may be trying to conceive or they might have had a miscarriage and need a d and c.”

The Wagga MP expects the bill to pass the Upper House.

Mr Khan said the time had arrived for such a law in NSW.

“It’s just not appropriate for women to be called baby killers and child murderers and there’s too many incidences of that,” Mr Khan said.

“I’m quite confident we’ve got the numbers in the Lower House.

“This is not something that has arrived in five minutes, it’s involved a lot of discussion over many months.”

Albury deputy mayor and Greens councillor Amanda Cohn, who attempted to introduce a municipal exclusion zone without success, believes the backing of conservative MPs reflects a seachange on the issue.

“The involvement of the National Party shows how mainstream this issue is and how it’s affecting regional communities,” Cr Cohn said.

Former Greater Hume Shire mayor Denise Osborne supports the bill, having responded to Albury MP Greg Aplin canvassing public opinion.

“Prayers can be said anywhere,” Cr Osborne told Mr Aplin on Facebook.

“Health support is not available everywhere.”