“Most people” who are pregnant “identify” as female, according to Ireland’s national health service, as part of its guidance around dealing with diabetic pregnant women.
In a 2024 document entitled “Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Model of Care for Ireland”, the HSE noted that some men are also capable of becoming pregnant.
“On use of language: while we recognise that most people who are pregnant identify as female, it is important to acknowledge that some females do not identify with that term, and transgender men may experience pregnancy,” the document reads.
“Therefore, the terms ‘women with diabetes’ or ‘pregnant people with diabetes’ or ‘people with diabetes’ are used throughout this document to convey respect to the variety of life and peoples wishes.”
The document goes on to point out that terms such as “woman” serve to “exclude” other genders, such as “non-binary” people.
“Within this guidance we use the terms ‘woman’ and ‘women’s health’,” it says.
“However, it is important to acknowledge that people who do not identify as cis-gender women are excluded from this descriptor, including people who identify as transgender, gender diverse and gender non-binary.
“We also appreciate that there are risks to de-sexing language when describing female reproduction.”
The guide goes on to stress that HSE services need to “affirm” the gender identities of “all people”.
“Services and delivery of care must be appropriate, inclusive and sensitive to the needs of people whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth,” the text says.
“This includes training and education regarding diverse pathways to pregnancy and the use of practices which affirm the sexual and gender identities of all people using Obstetrics and Gynaecology services.”
In addition to this, elsewhere the HSE has noted that “trans women” – i.e. biological males with a penis who identify as female – may be invited for cervical screenings, despite not having a cervix.
“If you’re a trans woman aged 25 to 65, you may be invited to attend cervical screening,” the HSE website reads.
“But as you do not have a cervix, you do not need to be screened. You or your GP can contact us with your correct details.”
They add: “If you are registered with the Department of Social Protection as female, you should receive invitation letters to make an appointment for cervical screening. If you have a cervix, you should attend.”
As previously covered by Gript, the HSE also encourages staff to wear badges featuring their own gender pronouns to support “varying gender identities”, including “genderfluid, genderqueer, bigender, two-spirit, third gender, agender, and neutrois.”
EXCLUSIVE: The HSE has urged medical staff to wear badges featuring their gender pronouns to support “varying gender identities”, such as “genderfluid, genderqueer, bigender, two-spirit, third gender, agender, and neutrois.” @Ben_Scallan reports:#gripthttps://t.co/u84ObxcRuu
— gript (@griptmedia) July 11, 2023
The agency is also on record as urging the use of “non-binary” gender pronouns such as “ze” or “xir,” and claiming that “biological sex” is a “spectrum.”
“Be mindful of your privilege”: An official HSE guide for healthcare workers has urged the use of “non-binary” gender pronouns such as “ze” or “xir,” and says that “biological sex” is a “spectrum.”#gripthttps://t.co/GWolzcfM8G
— gript (@griptmedia) May 8, 2023
In addition to this, the Irish Department of Health’s menopause campaign describes “woman” as meaning “all those who identify as women,” and also some people who “do not identify as women.”
“It is intended in the most inclusive sense of the word”: The Irish Department of Health’s menopause campaign describes “woman” as meaning “all those who identify as women,” and also many people who “do not identify as women.”https://t.co/l4LDrAAEKn
— gript (@griptmedia) March 4, 2024