Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust has introduced gender-inclusive language for its maternity services, becoming the first NHS trust in the UK to adopt terms such as 'chestfeeding' and 'birthing parent' in internal communications and meetings.
The trust stated that the changes recognise the 'challenges' gender identity can pose during pregnancy, birth, and feeding. However, the language will not apply in one-on-one care settings, where documentation should reflect the individual's gender identity.
The move has sparked controversy, with transgender campaigner Debbie Hayton arguing that 'trying to control the language of others does transgender people no favours at all'. In contrast, Shay Brown of TransActual praised the initiative as 'absolutely wonderful', emphasising that everyone deserves dignity in healthcare.
Social media backlash has included accusations of misogyny and erasure of women, but the trust clarified that it is taking a 'gender-additive approach', using neutral terms alongside those related to womanhood to ensure inclusivity without excluding anyone.
Chief nurse Carolyn Morrice said the changes respond to requests from service users, adding: 'Our aim will always be to treat everyone who uses our services as an individual, providing care that is personal to them.'
