Legislative Council Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2) 54 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Women's and Children's Hospital Women's and Children's Hospital The Hon. E.S. BOURKE Legislative Council Women's and Children's Hospital The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:28): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding health. Given comments on ABC radio yesterday from obstetrician Professor John Svigos that 'this is in the face of an increasing birthrate that has been occurring at the hospital…which we can barely cope with', why exactly is the government building a new Women's and Children's Hospital with 56 obstetric beds compared to the current 63? The Hon. S.G. WADE Legislative Council Minister for Health and Wellbeing Women's and Children's Hospital The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:29): I think it's very important for people to appreciate that birthing services continue to evolve. A key part— Members interjecting: The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will resume his seat. What I won't tolerate is where there is guffawing and there are interjections before the minister's response has hardly started. The minister has the call. The Hon. S.G. WADE Legislative Council The Hon. S.G. WADE: I honestly don't understand why the Labor Party doesn't believe that women are entitled to birthing choices. Members interjecting: The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Order! The Leader of the Opposition is out of order. Members interjecting: The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. S.G. WADE Legislative Council The Hon. S.G. WADE: I agree with Professor Svigos: of course we need to consider the birthrate, but we also need to consider birthing practices. There has been significant change in the delivery of birthing services, particularly with the growth of midwifery. Unlike the former government, I am going to support South Australian women to access a range of birthing services, including midwifery.