Because even those who disagree with the sentiments to be expressed at the rally should celebrate the fact we live in a society where all opinions can be shared.

The abortion bill currently being debated in NSW Parliament is, naturally, an emotive issue with strong arguments and passions on both sides.

But the mark of a mature democracy is the ability to display passion without abuse or violence.

Upper house MPs will on Tuesday start debating a raft of proposed amendments on the draft legislation to take abortion out of the NSW criminal code.

The Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019 allows terminations up to 22 weeks, as well as later abortions if two doctors agree the termination should occur.

The bill passed the lower house 59-31 in August.

Liberal and Labor MPs have been allowed a conscience vote on the private member's bill, with opponents raising concerns about late-term abortions, conscientious objection, gender-based terminations and the bill's introduction.

And then there are those people who simply believe it is wrong to terminate a pregnancy for any reason.

Regular polling suggests such views are in the minority among adult Australians and the criminalisation of abortion in this state is out of step with most of the rest of the country.

But none of that negates the right of anti-abortion protesters to put forward their views, forcefully and passionately, in an attempt to sway public opinion in their favour - just as pro-choice advocates have done in recent years to get the debate to this stage.

So when pro-life advocates hold a rally on Tuesday night the best advice for those who oppose their views would be to simply stay away. Neither camp can benefit from an ugly confrontation that ultimately adds nothing to the debate.

And when a bill to decriminalise abortion is so close to being passed by the government, pro-choice advocates would do well not to bring more attention to a pro-life rally than the (probably low) numbers attending the meeting would warrant.

Let all sides have their say and let's rejoice in our great democracy.