A decline in the numbers of women giving birth through the private health system, and associated closures of maternity services at private hospitals, has caused obstetricians to call for government intervention.

They say that unless changes are made to the Medicare rebate – allowing women to claim back a higher portion of out-of-pocket expenses if they use a private obstetrician during their pregnancy and for the delivery – the incidence of women ditching private cover could increase.

There were 72,295 births in private hospitals in 2016-17, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data. This is down from 75,881 in 2015-16.

There were 72,295 births in private hospitals in 2016-17, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data. This is down from 75,881 in 2015-16. Credit:Fairfax Media

For some women such as Jing Chen, who in June gave birth to her son Declan Thomas at Westmead Private hospital in Sydney, the more-than-$4000 out-of-pocket cost of going private was worth it.