Canberra's pregnant women could lose right to choose hospital as Woden hits capacity

Northsiders would be forced to give birth at Calvary Hospital in Bruce, and southsiders at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children at Woden, if a plan being considered by ACT Health is adopted.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr admitted the proposal would limit Canberra mothers' choices, but told the ABC that ACT Health was looking for the "least worst" option to address the increasing demand for the newer facilities at Canberra Hospital, opened in August 2012.

"There are only so many spaces available within that facility, so the issue has to be looked at," he said.

"The facilities at Calvary are high quality and they are closer for people on the northside."

Opposition leader Jeremy Hanson called for Health Minister Simon Corbell to rule out the "outrageous" "banning" of expectant northside mothers giving birth at the Canberra Hospital.

He said it should not be a "north versus south issue".

"The fact that this mean-spirited proposal has even seen the light of day calls into question Simon Corbell's judgment or attention to what is going on in ACT Health," he said.

"All Canberra taxpayers, including those who live northside, paid for the Canberra Hospital.

"It's ridiculous that they be told they be told they can't use it."

But Mr Barr stressed ACT Health would "engage broadly" with the community for an extended period before a decision was made, and expected ACT families to have "very strong views".

"The issue needs to be resolved one way or another, health has got to have that conversation."

"They are right to raise the issue because it's a challenge they need to confront."

The southside facility is the city's only tertiary hospital.

In a statement to the ABC, ACT Health confirmed it was reviewing its referral guidelines for patients accessing maternity services, and would conduct consultation if and when required.