Health Centres to be renamed because word ‘maternal’ encourages stereotypes and domestic violence

Moreland Council will change the name of its health service after councillors deemed the word “maternal” was not inclusive for fathers.

As reported in The Moreland Leader, Moreland councillor Helen Davidson argued that the municipal Maternal Child Health Service should undergo a name change because the current name was “archaic” and represented gender stereotyping that could result in domestic violence.

“Maternal Heath centres are for babies and women, because women give birth!” Neil said.

“They’re vulnerable and emotional at that time.

“Heaven help us.”

Patty Kinnersly CEO of Our Watch (the national organisation dedicated to ending violence against women and children) told Neil Mitchell changing the name was good for gender equality.

“I’m clearly not a father but I imagine there will be a lot of dads out there who will be really pleased to see their role in parenting recognised,” Ms Kinnersly said.

“We know how powerful words are and we want to create a community where men and women are respected equally.”

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3AW reached out to both Moreland Council mayor Natalie Abboud and councillor Helen Davidson, both are unavailable.