The closure of maternity services at Ceduna Hospital has been another nail in the coffin for birthing choices for South Australian women say the Australian Democrats.

"The closure of services at Ceduna once again illustrates what a low priority this government places on women and their babies," says Sandra Kanck, Democrat Spokesperson for health.

"The past 18 months the government has made decisions to close maternity wards and rationalise services.

• March 1999 Government announces plans to close Queen Elizabeth Hospital obstetric unit;
• March 1999 Government introduce Nurses Bill not recognising midwifery as a separate role;
• July 1999 Human Services Minister announces a downgrading of services at Modbury Hospital leaving no obstetrician on site;
• August 1999 Closure of gynaecological ward at QEH;
• January 2000 Temporary closure of maternity ward at Port Pirie hospital;
• January 2001 Suspension of birthing services at Ceduna Hospital.

"It has become increasingly difficult for women to make informed decisions about the delivery of their babies when services are being cut back to the bone.

"It is extraordinary that while the government is keen to entice migrants to the state it is making life difficult for South Australian women to deliver their babies.

"It is time that the government listened to South Australians and made decisions based on service provision not cost cutting."