Anne Tolley's attempting to set the record straight - she's not advocating for the compulsory sterilisation of women, not even for women who are clearly unfit to have children.

The Social Development Minister said she's simply saying mothers who're incapable of looking after their kids should immediately be given contraception advice and counselling.

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She recounted stories about one woman who had three babies taken away from her and another who had six babies taken from her. These were all instances where "mothers can't be trusted to raise those children" as "they've already had child abuse prosecutions".

Tolley said it's frustrating how her comments on contraception have been misconstrued as her advocating compulsory sterilisation.

"You shouldn't put words in people's mouth," she stated.

"I've never, ever suggested that you compulsorily sterilise these families and I would never, ever, as a Minister, condone that."