MIDWIVES training at the University of Bradford will be taught how to look after ‘childbearing people’ and ‘birthing people’ rather than ‘women’, according to a national newspaper.

Several degree courses at universities across the country have replaced references to mothers with ‘gender neutral’ language, The Daily Mail has reported.

The University of Bradford is among those that have made the change and according to the paper, an internal document detailing the course specifications for the 2022/23 year refers to ‘childbearing people’ four times and ‘birthing people’ eight times.

The University of Cumbria, the University of Northumbria, Cardiff University, Kingston University London are said to be among the educational establishments that have also made the alterations.

Critics have said pregnancy and birth are experiences unique to women and it’s important that accurate, sex-based language is used in maternity services.

“The new BSc (Hons) Midwifery programme which commenced this September was written with serious consideration of information from the Nursing and Midwifery Council, The Royal College of Midwives and Birthrights around the use of inclusive language,” the University of Bradford said in a statement.

“It is important our students are taught in an environment that is consistent with national guidelines.”

An inclusivity statement from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says: “We understand that building an inclusive maternity and gynaecological workforce is critical to ensuring doctors, midwives, maternity support workers and the women and people they care for feel safe and listened to.

“We therefore embrace and value the different experiences, skills and ideas a diverse workforce brings.”

It adds: “Our shared mission is to improve healthcare for all people needing to access obstetric and gynaecology services.

“We recognise maternity and gynaecological services will be accessed by women, gender diverse individuals and people whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.

“Therefore, we believe delivery of care must at all times be appropriate, inclusive and sensitive to the needs of everyone.

“The RCOG and RCM understand the importance of language in breaking down barriers for people accessing care and is committed to using inclusive language in its communications, publications and patient information to meet the needs of all individuals.

“In our language we will aim to add and not take away, taking into account the importance of preserving women-centred language as well as including language for those who do not identify as a woman.”