A bill creating privacy zones in specific areas around approved clinics is designed to stop protests and prayer vigils targeting women seeking abortions. The plan, proposed by Greens Minister Shane Rattenbury, takes into account operating hours of clinics and requirements for media and other individuals.

It would ban protests on footpaths and streets immediately around the ACT Health building in the city.

The push, modelled on similar laws in Tasmania, came after Canberra and Goulburn's Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse led prayers during a vigil at the abortion clinic in March, as part of a global pro-life movement ahead of Easter celebrations.

Mr Rattenbury's plan has drawn criticism from religious groups.

Health Minister Simon Corbell said Labor would support the bill on Thursday, rejecting proposed amendments put forward by the opposition which he said would see women subjected to ongoing distress, harassment and intimidation.

"The Canberra Liberals want to remove critical parts of the proposed legislation that would result in the continued exposure of people accessing legal medical services to unwelcome pressure from protesters," Mr Corbell said.

"Women who have made what is already a difficult decision to have an abortion have the right to be able to access the medical services they require without being forced to endure the judgment of others."

Mr Corbell said exclusion zones offered vulnerable women protection from negative mental health impacts, and that opponents of abortion should instead bring their activism to political representatives.

Students from the Australian National University began a push for exclusion zones around abortion clinics in response to protests in 2013.