Decoupling gender from 'Midwifery': A utopian vision

Debates around gender inclusive versus ‘sexed’ language have become the new focus for debates on linguistic harm within midwifery (Pezaro et al., n.d.). Whilst clinical guidelines are moving toward what has been deemed ‘gender sensitive language’ (Garad et al. 2023), the challenges posed by such linguistic shifts underline the importance of constant reflection, review, and adaptation, particularly when all professionals are committed to the provision of equitable care without harm. Conversely, the use of exclusive language propagates harmful stereotypes and biases (Dev et al. 2021). Thus, it is concerning that the problematically gendered nature of professional nomenclature has received less attention, particularly in relation to this most highly gendered profession of midwifery. Here, we engage with Levitas’ ‘utopia as method’ (Levitas 2013) to dismantle the word ‘midwife’ and demonstrate how the alternative title of ‘lead perinatal practitioner’ might instead be clearer on its objectives, meet the needs of all, and be more appropriate given the ethically driven need for inclusive perinatal services. We also explore how this proposed new title may be useful in raising the profile of the midwifery 1 profession, which has historically been overlooked, undervalued, and often conflated with nursing (Pezaro, Maher, and Fissell 2022).