Mr Smith expressed his disappointment that the foetal rights bill Zoe's Law wouldn't pass, saying its opponents "ignore the silent screams of their unborn children".

The Silent Scream is a 1984 film narrated by Pro-Choice America founder Bernard Nathanson, used to campaign against abortion, and attacked by medical groups as misleading.

"Those are the words of the anti-choice people. There's no doubt about it," said Ms Westwood.

Ms Westwood, a disability advocate and former community worker, said there was a desire for justice for mothers such as Brodie Donegan, who had lost unborn children because of the violent acts of others, but parliament needed to work together to find a law that wouldn't criminalise pregnancy and restrict abortion.

"Many of us are concerned that those women's heartbreaking tragedies are being used by those with an anti-choice agenda," she said.

Ms Westwood, who is a lesbian, said she was raised a Catholic, and knew many Catholics who didn't share Mr Smith's anti-abortion views.

"Of course people have a right to their faith, and to practice their faith. But they have to remember they are making laws for other people, and others don't share their views," she said.

Both Mr Smith and Ms Westwood will exit politics at the election.