What is it about?
This literature review has explored topics that have already been explored within gender-neutral and maternity services. Gender-neutral language is a rising contemporary topic within maternity services, which its been investigated by the service user of the LGTBQAI+ population, however, this literature review, scaffolds this point of view and looks at language from that of the midwives providing the care.
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Why is it important?
Gaining the perspective from midwives' opinions on gender-neutral language is vital due to the pivotal role that they have within maternity services. Midwives' philosophy is centred around providing compassionate care during childbirth, which often involves diverse gender identities. Using inclusive language ensures equitable care for those who identify within the LGTBQAI+ community, and fostering trust will reduce discrimination. However, what do midwives feel about this? Does it affect the philosophy of a midwife? Does it change the historical and etymological origins of the word midwife and maternity services? Especially as the medical model of care that governs childbirth, remains to be of a patriarchal system
Perspectives
We've gained insight from an important service user and perspective (the LGTBQAI+ community), however, is the use of gender-neutral language for all, inclusive of all that is involved in maternity services. Writing this narrative literature review was a pleasure, and ignited a fire within me to see how inclusive an all-inclusive model truly is. How can one change practice to ensure no one is vulnerable? This article is leading me to a research project to look into the perspective of a midwife when utilising gender-neutral language.
Kim Crossan
University of Notre Dame Australia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The use of gender-neutral language in maternity settings: a narrative literature review, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2023, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/bjom.2023.31.9.502.
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