NHS warned not use 'midwife' as use of word could 'upset' transgender people

The authors argue the traditional term, used since medieval times, is outdated and "upholds the patriarchy".

Critics have branded the suggestion "nonsense", saying maternity services are already under significant strain.

Academics have called for the NHS to replace the term 'midwife' with 'lead perinatal practitioner'

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The authors argue the traditional term, used since medieval times, is outdated and 'upholds the patriarchy'

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The authors argue the word "midwife" is not flexible enough for modern society and "acts as a crucible for the crisis by upholding rigid understandings of sex and gender in childbearing".

They claim the current term holds back the profession as it could apply to either male or female staff.

"While recognising that the word 'midwife' may conjure historical and societal images and feelings of nostalgia, it will be important to move past this," the paper states.

The academics suggest the change would help eradicate "gender inequalities in the reproductive arena".

The proposal has faced strong criticism from other academics and campaigners.

"It is women as a sex category who are pregnant and give birth, regardless of how they identify," said Anna Melamed, a midwifery lecturer at the University of the West of England.

"Midwives are one of the few professions who proudly and clearly stand by and on the side of women."

Some NHS trusts have already begun using alternative terminology in their services

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Helen Joyce, of the charity Sex Matters, dismissed the idea as "ideological nonsense being foisted upon" already pressured maternity services.

Social media users also rejected the proposal, with one commenting: "Stop worrying about titles and labels."

Some NHS trusts have already begun using alternative terminology in their services.

Terms like "birthing person" have been introduced instead of "mother" in efforts to be more trans-friendly.

Dr Peddleton and Dr Pezaro believe scrapping the term midwife would signal a "trailblazing contribution" towards eliminating gender inequalities.

However, public reaction has been largely negative, with one social media user writing: "This is totally ridiculous. If you are giving birth you are a woman and, as such, require a midwife."