BMA: Don’t say ‘expectant mothers’ say ‘pregnant people’

The BMA is advising its staff not to refer to "expectant mothers" or "pregnant women". 

The British Medical Association has said that pregnant women should not be called "expectant mothers" as it could offend transgender people.

An internal document for staff advised using the phrase "pregnant people".

It went on to say: "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'."

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

Confusing the fundamental role of women in pregnancy and childbirth could have worrying implications for the abortion debate. Women's campaigner Laura Perrins criticised the BMA's advice as "anti-science, anti-women and anti-mother".

She said: "As every doctor knows only females can have children. To say otherwise is offensive and dangerous."

Propaganda

John Deighan, chief executive of SPUC Scotland said "Unfortunately, silly initiatives like this all too often end up being adopted and disseminated by officialdom. What starts as a radical idea on the fringe of society is repeated and supported by an increasing number of people until it gains momentum and the ideas that we once rightly laughed at become the diet of propaganda fed to our children."