ANGRY councillors have slammed a decision by NHS bosses to refer to expectant mothers as “birthing people”, branding the phrase an “insult to women”.

The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board now refers to maternity units as birthing units and to pregnant women as birthing people in an acknowledgement of the trans community.

During a presentation at a people scrutiny committee on Thursday, Claire Hankey, director of communications and engagement, repeatedly used the terms "birthing unit" and "birthing people" during an update to councillors on changes to maternity services.

The care board has stated it works with the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership - a group supporting and representing service users - and said "people can identify as another gender but still be able to give birth, we must be respectful to all residents and acknowledge the broad spectrum of people that come through our maternity units". 

It added the accepted phrase is "women and birthing people" and the two should be used together.

Tony Cox, former Conservative leader of the council and now Reform Group leader, and James Moyies, Conservative councillor for West Shoebury Ward, both took to social media to voice their disdain.

Mr Cox said: “Hasn’t anyone explained to this trust that only women can give birth?”

Mr Moyies added: “Only female mothers can give birth. No such thing as birthing people. MSE hospitals sort yourself out or you will be replaced.”

Following the posts, Mr Cox said: “As leader last year there was a whole row because they wanted us to do a press release about birthing people and persons with a cervix.

“Me and James said we wouldn’t put it out and in the end they had to relent. Wokeness has infected the NHS.”

Branding the term as “insulting to women”, he added : “It’s wokeism gone mad and it’s now actually becoming offensive to women. It’s something special for a woman to be able to give birth. It’s a privilege that not everyone can do. It’s insulting.

“How much money has been wasted on drivel like this. Women are now feeling dehumanised, a precious gift that only a woman can give is now being taken away from them.”

The row follows accusations of transphobia aimed at Laurie Burton, councillor responsible for children’s services, after he criticised women only spaces being used by men who identify as women.