Midwives banned from using word ‘fella’ in birthing classes after lesbians complain
They have been ordered to use term 'partner' so same sex couples and single mums don't feel 'uncomfortable'
MIDWIVES have been banned from using the word “fella” in antenatal classes after a lesbian couple complained.
They have been ordered to use the term “partner” in order to ensure same sex couples and single mums don’t feel “uncomfortable”.
Hospital bosses in Blackpool, Lancs. provided the lesbian pair with one-to-one sessions after they said they could not continue with classes.
Hospital documents revealed: “The midwife hosting the class kept referring to the ‘fella’s role’ during the labour process.
“The patient is in a same sex relationship and felt this terminology was inappropriate, and that same-sex couples or single mothers could be made to feel uncomfortable.
“The community midwives have been reminded not to use this terminology and to only use the word ‘partner’ in future classes.
“One-to-one parentcraft sessions have also been arranged for the couple as they felt uncomfortable returning to the class.”
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Opposition leader at Blackpool Council, Tony Williams, said: “It would have been an innocent comment and there would have been no intention to offend.
“I can understand if people feel offended or left out but I feel in this instance it would have been without malice. Both sides should draw a line under this and carry on.”
A spokeswoman for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said there was no additional cost for the one-to-one session, and said “all our midwifery care is individualised to the family”.
No written policy instructing staff on how they should speak to patients and their families exists either, she told
![Midwives at Blackpool hospital, [not pictured] have been told to use the term ‘partner‘](http://mcb777.site/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/nintchdbpict000284812249.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
They have been told to call them “pregnant people” instead.
The British Medical Association advice says: “A large majority of people that have been pregnant or have given birth identify as women.
“However, there are some intersex men and trans men who may get pregnant.”
“We can include intersex men and trans men who may get pregnant by saying ‘pregnant people’ instead of ‘expectant mothers’.”
Tory MP Philip Davies said it was “completely ridiculous”.
He added: “If you can’t call a pregnant woman an expectant mother, then what is the world coming to?”
The BMA has insisted: “This is a guide for BMA staff and representatives aimed at promoting an inclusive workplace at the BMA.
“It is not workplace guidance for doctors, which is clear from the fact it does not refer to patients.”
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