Doctors shouldn't call pregnant women mothers, says BMA

Doctors have been told not to call pregnant women 'mothers', it has emerged.

Doctors have been told not to call pregnant women 'mothers', it has emerged.

The British Medical Association issued official internal guidelines last year to its 156,000 members, which also states that someone who is "biologically male or female" should instead be referred to as "assigned male or female".

Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali said that these guidelines will "confuse people about the vital role of mothers".

'Inclusive' language

The 14-page document, A Guide to Effective Communication: Inclusive Language in the Workplace, states:

"Gender inequality is reflected in traditional ideas about the roles of women and men. Though they have shifted over time, the assumptions and stereotypes that underpin those ideas are often deeply-rooted."

"A large majority of people that have been pregnant or have given birth identify as women. We can include intersex men and transmen who may get pregnant by saying 'pregnant people' instead of 'expectant mothers'."

The guide also advises against using the terms "born man" or "born woman" when referring to people who identify as the opposite sex to which they are born. It claims that these phrases "are reductive and over-simplify a complex subject".

Only one pregnant woman who identifies as man

Heather Ashton from transgender activist group TG Pals, claimed: "We know that biological females are the pregnant ones but trans people are parents too, and this is massive step forward to prevent discrimination against them.

"The fact that the terminology is changing can only be a positive thing for everyone who wants to be a parent and has the right to be a parent."

But currently there is only one known UK case of a pregnant woman who identifies as a man. She has put her sex reassignment on hold so that she can have a baby.

'Sad that society is being pushed in this direction'

Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali said that changing terminology to push this agenda is "sad" and will only bring confusion.

He told The Mail on Sunday: "I think it is sad that society is being pushed in this direction. God has made us man and woman, and mothers relate to their children in different ways than fathers. This ruling will confuse people about the vital role of mothers in bringing up their children."

'Anti science, anti-women and anti-mother'

Laura Perrins, a contributor to the Conservative Woman, described the BMA guidelines as "anti-science, anti-women and anti-mother".

"As every doctor knows only females can have children," she said. "To say otherwise is offensive and dangerous. This will offend women up and down the country, and is an example of the majority of women being insulted for a tiny minority of people."