Do NOT call fathers ‘fella’, midwives told

MIDWIVES have been banned from calling fathers-to-be ‘fellas’ in antenatal classes after complaints from a lesbian couple.

The pair were taking part in ‘parentcraft’ lessons at Blackpool Victoria Hospital when a midwife repeatedly referred to the ‘fella’s role’ during labour.

They complained to health bosses, who ordered staff to refer to a pregnant woman’s spouse or boyfriend as their ‘partner’ to avoid offending other same-sex couples. The unnamed lesbians claimed they were too upset to return and have since been offered one-to-one sessions instead.

But last night one MP accused the hospital of behaving in a heavyhanded manner. Alec Shelbrooke, Tory MP for Elmet and Rothwell, West Yorkshire, said: ‘People need to use common sense, rather than have bans. Midwives are under extreme pressure. Saying “You can’t do this” and “can’t do that” adds to the burden.

‘I certainly do not agree with having bans. I doubt the situation will occur again, so it does not need to dealt with in this heavy-handed way. Hospitals need to say to midwives that they can cause offence by assuming everyone is in a heterosexual relationship.’

Tony Williams, leader of the Conservative opposition on Blackpool Council, added: ‘I am sorry these two people were offended but I am sure (none) was intended.’

The hospital said the one-to-one lessons were provided at no extra cost to the taxpayer, but Mr Williams said he doubted this. The case was revealed in a report by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The ban follows guidance issued to doctors urging them to refer to pregnant women as ‘pregnant people’, rather than ‘expectant mothers’ so as to avoid offending any pregnant woman changing sex.

According to guidance issued by the British Medical Association last month, doctors should no longer talk about ‘Mum’ or ‘Dad’ and should refer only to ‘parents’ until they know what sex someone prefers to be.

Philip Davies, Tory MP for Shipley, also West Yorkshire, who campaigns against political correctness, said: ‘I am afraid I get offended at how easy other people are offended – especially when no offence was ever intended.’

‘People need to use common sense’