“People (of a certain generation anyway) can be forgiven for being a bit confused with social change” a reader says. “The gender-neutral term ‘birthing parent’ will no longer appear on Medicare forms with the government intervening to ensure the term ‘mother’ is used instead,” reports SBS. “Forms asking for a child’s “birthing parent” when enrolling for Medicare were rolled out as part of a trial program in three hospitals, launched by the previous Coalition government. But Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten’s instruction to ensure the forms use “mother” has been criticised by equality advocates, with one saying “it does not describe the experience of men and non-binary people, who give birth to children too”. The term ‘mother’ is again allowable! ”A solution may be to call everyone ‘it’ Topical’s correspondent says, “it’s very inclusive and no one will be offended”.
To order photos from this page click hereAbout The Author
Blake Jarrett
Blake Jarrett is an experienced journalist based in Narrabri. With a strong passion for sport Blake first began work with Northern NSW Football as a soccer reporter/commentator.
Topical 16/4/24
April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness month. It’s about bringing attention to a life-changing disease which is on the rise and connecting people to critical resources. This month-long campaign focuses on an important part of Parkinson’s Disease awareness – educating everyone on the many symptoms which impact daily life and how to address them. Early signs may be mild and may go unnoticed. Symptoms often begin on one side of the body and usually get worse on the same side, even after symptoms begin to affect both sides. Signs and symptoms may include – tremors, trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw […]