Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust has instructed its midwives to say “chestfeeding” instead of “breastfeeding” and to replace the term “mother” with “mother or birthing parent” as part of moves to be more trans-friendly. Staff have also been instructed to replace “breastmilk” with the phrases “human milk”, “breast/chestmilk” or “milk from the feeding mother or parent”.
Other changes include replacing the use of “woman” with “woman or person” and “father” with “parent”, “co-parent” or “second biological parent”, depending on the circumstances. According to The Times:
A policy document released this week states that staff should not stop using the word “woman” or other terms describing motherhood but they should consciously start adding in the word “people” and other more inclusive language.
It says: “Gender identity can be a source of oppression and health inequality. We are consciously using the words ‘women’ and ‘people’ together to make it clear that we are committed to working on addressing health inequalities for all those who use our services.
“As midwives and birth workers, we focus on improving access and health outcomes for marginalised and disadvantaged groups. Women are frequently disadvantaged in healthcare, as are trans and non-binary people … By continuing to use the term ‘woman’ we commit to working on addressing health inequalities for all who use our services.
“We also recognise that there is currently biological essentialism and transphobia present within elements of mainstream birth narratives and discourse. We strive to protect our trans and non-binary service users and healthcare professionals from additional persecution as a consequence of terminology changes, recognising the significant impact this can have on psychological and emotional wellbeing.
“Acknowledging the cultural context in which service development occurs is vital in making trans and non-binary lives safer.”
Inclusivity campaigners are thrilled. Trans Actual stated: “This is fantastic, well done. Let’s hope many more trusts follow suit. Everybody deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
The announcement by Brighton & Sussex NHS Trust did come in for criticism on social media, with the trust being accused of “eradicating women.”
Insanity reigns supreme in the UK. A trans woman is a man who believes he is a woman. He’ll never be a woman. A woman is born with a vagina and ovaries. That distinguishes her from me. She can carry a child. She is and she exists. Nobody is born in the wrong body and as for non-binary? Get that shit out of my face you attention seeking goon. Look in your underpants. Male or female, it’s very simple. Anything else is monumental bollox. This is dangerous in the extreme. Imagine, they are teaching this puerile claptrap to children? Feminists are right. This is a very dangerous time for women.
