Progressing gender-inclusive midwifery in Aotearoa

11:00 – 11:15 HAUORA WELLBEING FESTIVAL ABSTRACTS | 2022

Results Focussed Presentation

AUTHOR(S): Sally Baddock (in person) and Suzanne Miller (online

)TITLE: Progressing gender-inclusive midwifery in Aotearoa

Introduction: As awareness of the possibilities of gender-diverse families and parenthood grows, trans, non-binary and other people with diverse genders are increasingly accessing fertility, pregnancy, and birth (perinatal) care as part of their family-building journeys. The aim of our study was to determine what constitutes quality, safe and culturally responsive perinatal services for trans, non-binary, and takatāpui people, and to identify the associated education needs of the perinatal workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Method: Our two-phase New Zealand Health Research Council-funded study included interviews with 20 gender diverse people who had accessed perinatal care. Findings from the interviews informed a national perinatal workforce survey to identify current knowledge and education needs in this area. Ethics approval was granted by the Victoria University of Wellington Human Ethics Committee (VUWHEC #0000029879 and #0000030433).

Results/Findings Thematic analysis of the interviews identified themes about what constituted safe, inclusive and responsive care such as using gender-neutral or gender-additive language, creating inclusive physical environments and not questioning someone's identity. Preliminary responses to our survey (n = 500) indicated that most health professionals had received little education on providing gender-inclusive care and over 75% would access such education if it were available. Responses identified specific education and support needs.

Conclusion: We have clear guidance from trans and non-binary people about what constitutes safe and affirming care from their perspective. Survey results enabled us to establish current workforce knowledge in relation to these identified needs and will lead to recommendations for health policy and development of education resources.