Too many caesarean sections in SA's hospitals -figures

In South Australia official figures showed more than 32 per cent of all babies born were delivered by caesarean section, which is more than double the recommended World Health Organisation (WHO) standard, Kanck said.

"WHO guidelines recommend five to 15 per cent of births as a safe level," she said.

"Yet in SA the breakdown of caesarean rates are 28.4 per cent for all public hospitals, both metro and country, and 43.7 per cent for metro private hospitals."

She said rates across five private metropolitan hospitals ranged from about 35 per cent to more than 54 per cent.

"Because choice in childbirth needs to be informed choice, I urge the minister for health (John Hill) to name and shame the worst performing hospitals."

Kanck said fear of pain should not a reason for having a caesarean. Mothers must be informed of the risks involved with surgical deliveries and the circumstances in which they should be used.

"It is vital that a caesarean is not seen as an option of convenience for either obstetrician or mother," she said.