Aotearoa perinatal care is slowly becoming more inclusive, but some trans, non-binary and gender-diverse Kiwis are still facing discrimination. Katie Harris looks into the quiet shift and what experts say still needs to change. "Pregnant people should discuss the timing of their booster with their midwife. "The health and wellbeing of pregnant people and their babies is of paramount importance. "Evidence shows that pregnant people and newborn babies are at greater risk of poor outcomes if infected with Covid-19."
For many, these statements on the Ministry of Health website's fact sheet on Covid-19 during pregnancy, which only uses the word "women" once, might not feel important, but for gender-diverse Kiwis, the change in terminology can make a world of difference.
Although the ministry says there's been no directive that's gone out to staff about what language they use, the agency has made a clear move toward being more inclusive in its messaging when it comes to pregnancy care.
Across Aotearoa, some midwives are changing terms like mother to pregnant person, others say chestfeeding instead of breastfeeding and charity The Period Place uses phrases like "people who get periods".
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