Moreland Council to change name of maternal health service to combat sexism
A northern suburbs council has voted to change the name of their maternal child health service because it promotes “gender stereotyping”.
North West
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A council-run health service will change its name after councillors deemed the word ”maternal” was not inclusive enough for fathers.
Moreland councillor Helen Davidson argued at the council’s December 12 meeting that the municipal Maternal Child Health Service should undergo a name change.
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She said the current name was “archaic” and represented gender stereotyping that could result in domestic violence.
“The name of the service fails to reflect our current standing in our society in relation to parents and the roles of parental responsibility,” she said.
“We know that gender stereotypes are dangerous and a predominant cause of violence against women.”
Moreland mayor Natalie Abboud backed the change, saying the current name was outdated.
“Maybe this is one of those things that’s left over from a time that has long passed,” she said.
But North East Ward councillor Annalivia Carli Hannan said a change to the name was unnecessary as the services provided include those specifically for mothers.
“They do have that midwifery component, that’s why they are quite attached to that name that did come around in the 1950s,” she said.
The council will now consult with the service to determine the new name and the cost of a rebranding.
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