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Dad Gone?
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the latest re-write of the NHS new parent leaflet was allegedly occasioned by a single complaint.
was this the right thing to do - are same-sex couples likely to feel excluded by the word "dad"? or is this a case of cash squandered in the name of an imagined issue?
the latest re-write of the NHS new parent leaflet was allegedly occasioned by a single complaint.
was this the right thing to do - are same-sex couples likely to feel excluded by the word "dad"? or is this a case of cash squandered in the name of an imagined issue?
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mushroom25
I read this story in another paper and some key facts need to be remembered. Each year the NHS reviews it literature to ensure accuracy and relevancy.
This particular pamphlet was up for review at the time that an NHS patient pointed out that 'Dad' automatically assumes that every woman taking anti-natal classes is heterosexual.
By changing the word 'Dad' to partner, the form suddenly applies to everyone.
I will put the next bit in capitals, because it needs to be shouted out.
IT COST NOTHING.
That's right...the pamphlet was about to be reprinted when the amendment was made.
This might not fit in with the agenda that 'certain persons' have, but it is a fact.
I read this story in another paper and some key facts need to be remembered. Each year the NHS reviews it literature to ensure accuracy and relevancy.
This particular pamphlet was up for review at the time that an NHS patient pointed out that 'Dad' automatically assumes that every woman taking anti-natal classes is heterosexual.
By changing the word 'Dad' to partner, the form suddenly applies to everyone.
I will put the next bit in capitals, because it needs to be shouted out.
IT COST NOTHING.
That's right...the pamphlet was about to be reprinted when the amendment was made.
This might not fit in with the agenda that 'certain persons' have, but it is a fact.
How did I possibly cope without this leaflet years ago? Oh yes, both my children were born abroad. No family back up either, just me and my husband. Unfortunately many new parents who need to read leaflets are not aware of them, incapable of reading them or frightened by the thought of them.
New parents often need help or encouragement or the confidence to do their best by newborns. They need advice and support from people, not a
b----y leaflet!
New parents often need help or encouragement or the confidence to do their best by newborns. They need advice and support from people, not a
b----y leaflet!
My daughters can't understand how I managed to give birth without referring to any manual or leaflet, or having any discussion with anyone other than the utter minimum with the medical professionals. We were abroad too, bliss, no interfering relatives offering "advice", aka interference.
All the young mothers today seem to be in constant need of reassurance that they're doing it "right", I took the view of How hard can this be, people have done it for years.
All the young mothers today seem to be in constant need of reassurance that they're doing it "right", I took the view of How hard can this be, people have done it for years.
sp,
thanks for your responses.
no, I've no axe to grind. what this or that parent decides is their preferred conjugal appellation (mum, dad, partner, significant other, etc) is their business, and I respect that.
i was just taken by the self-righteously affronted attitute taken by the several newspapers that ran this, and thought it worth debating.
thanks for your responses.
no, I've no axe to grind. what this or that parent decides is their preferred conjugal appellation (mum, dad, partner, significant other, etc) is their business, and I respect that.
i was just taken by the self-righteously affronted attitute taken by the several newspapers that ran this, and thought it worth debating.
Well I'd prefer to be referred to as 'Dad', not partner.
As I am overwhemingly in the majority, i.e, my children were born to a married mother and father, why can't we keep the term dad?
The fact the change cost nothing isn't relevant. what is relevant is that the change has been prompted to pander to a tiny, minuscule, minority and that is wrong - and that is wrong.
As I am overwhemingly in the majority, i.e, my children were born to a married mother and father, why can't we keep the term dad?
The fact the change cost nothing isn't relevant. what is relevant is that the change has been prompted to pander to a tiny, minuscule, minority and that is wrong - and that is wrong.
flip_flop
Arrrrrrggghhhh!!!
Why do people do this?
Your kids will continue to call you 'Dad'. You will be referred to as a 'Dad' by your friends and family.
Whether your local council or the NHS refer to you as 'Dad' or 'partner' is no business of yours or mine.
The fact that it's a no-cost option IS relevent because a spokesperson from the Taxpayers Alliance was contacted.
Also - it doesn't actually affect 'the majority' does it? 'Dad' and 'partner' are both valid terms for a woman's partner. However, 'partner' is a valid word for every woman's partner, irrespective of sex.
So the question remains - why is a word on a document which will have absolutely zero effect on you, your loved ones and the way you communicate with you such a big deal. It includes everyone, and doesn't exclude you.
So what's the problem?
How are you negatively affected?
Arrrrrrggghhhh!!!
Why do people do this?
Your kids will continue to call you 'Dad'. You will be referred to as a 'Dad' by your friends and family.
Whether your local council or the NHS refer to you as 'Dad' or 'partner' is no business of yours or mine.
The fact that it's a no-cost option IS relevent because a spokesperson from the Taxpayers Alliance was contacted.
Also - it doesn't actually affect 'the majority' does it? 'Dad' and 'partner' are both valid terms for a woman's partner. However, 'partner' is a valid word for every woman's partner, irrespective of sex.
So the question remains - why is a word on a document which will have absolutely zero effect on you, your loved ones and the way you communicate with you such a big deal. It includes everyone, and doesn't exclude you.
So what's the problem?
How are you negatively affected?
> So the question remains - why is a word on a document which will have absolutely zero effect on you, your loved ones and the way you communicate with you such a big deal. <
That being the case sp1814 why should it have been changed? If it's merely a word on a pamphlet regarding flip_flop then why should it be more significant than that to others?
Personally I am very proud of the fact that my children's father was and still is my HUSBAND and not my partner, significant other or any other made up title. Therefore he is their DAD, not their mum's anything and should be referred to as such.
That being the case sp1814 why should it have been changed? If it's merely a word on a pamphlet regarding flip_flop then why should it be more significant than that to others?
Personally I am very proud of the fact that my children's father was and still is my HUSBAND and not my partner, significant other or any other made up title. Therefore he is their DAD, not their mum's anything and should be referred to as such.
SP
/Why do people do this//
Well, surprise surprise not everyone (in fact probably very few) agree with you . So perhaps the question is better asked of you.
this is jus tpolitical nonsense and whether the leaflet was due to be changed or not is irrelevant.
I am offended by the term 'partner' , but do you think they will consider changing it for me? I doubt it because the NHS is riddled with small minded people like yourself who are obsessed with minorities and care not for the majority.
/Why do people do this//
Well, surprise surprise not everyone (in fact probably very few) agree with you . So perhaps the question is better asked of you.
this is jus tpolitical nonsense and whether the leaflet was due to be changed or not is irrelevant.
I am offended by the term 'partner' , but do you think they will consider changing it for me? I doubt it because the NHS is riddled with small minded people like yourself who are obsessed with minorities and care not for the majority.
missnemesis - you can call your husband what you want. Who's stopping you?
youngmafbog - who said anyone was 'offended' by the word 'Dad'? That's just the spin the newspapers have put on the story.
For all you know, the complainant may have contacted her local health authority and pointed out that the word 'partner' is more inclusive, whereas the word 'Dad' was completely subjective.
Incidentally - what offends you about the word 'partner'?
youngmafbog - who said anyone was 'offended' by the word 'Dad'? That's just the spin the newspapers have put on the story.
For all you know, the complainant may have contacted her local health authority and pointed out that the word 'partner' is more inclusive, whereas the word 'Dad' was completely subjective.
Incidentally - what offends you about the word 'partner'?
