Quebec mothers-to-be who want to give birth with a midwife assisting will have more options at their disposal if the Quebec government delivers on a promise to build 20 new birthing centres.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest announced Monday his government would create the centres in order to increase by fivefold the number of births attended by midwives.

In Quebec, about 1,200 babies are born with the assistance of a midwife. Canadian Press reported Monday the government would like to increase that to more than 5,000, or about seven per cent of Quebec's 80,000 births.

The birthing centres could eventually relieve some of the pressure on Quebec's beleaguered health-care system. A new study released by the province's College of Physicians suggests the doctor shortage — especially family doctors — shows no sign of abating, despite increased enrolment in medical schools.

According to the study, 18,989 doctors are standing members of the Quebec order, with 15,904 in active clinical practice. That means there is an average of two doctors per 1,000 residents, a ratio below the Canadian and international averages (2.1 and 2.9, respectively.)

Midwifery in Quebec has gained increasing popularity and respect in the province since it was officially recognized as a profession in 1999. The first birthing house in Quebec opened in Gatineau in 1994.

With files from the Canadian Press