Thread by @stonewalluk

You'll have read a lot of discussion about whether only women have cervices - but maybe not so much about why inclusive language in healthcare is not only important, but saves lives.

Read on to discover how! ⬇️

When we talk about access to healthcare, we need to be specific about who needs what kind of care – because when we generalise, we leave people out.

Inclusive language that specifies the needs of our communities keeps people safe by easing barriers to accessing healthcare!

Most women have a cervix and most people with a cervix are women, but the people excluded by that ‘most’ are often significantly harmed by the lack of inclusive provision.

It’s important to focus on what one needs, rather than what was estimated they needed when they were born.

So, being precise means we that can capture everyone who needs the service and no one who doesn’t, which is both the most inclusive and the most efficient way to provide healthcare.

For cervical screenings, only people with an ‘F’ marker on their GP registration are currently automatically invited for a screening. Although everyone with a cervix can request screening, the current IT system doesn’t automatically invite those with an ‘M’ marker.

This puts the onus on trans and non-binary people to request screening, and results in barriers to accessing this crucial healthcare. A recent study found that only 58 per cent of trans male and non-binary interviewees had been screened. independent.co.uk/life-style/hea…

This lack of access to life-saving healthcare can have devastating real world consequences, as seen by this very affecting piece by Lord Duncan about the death of his brother from ovarian cancer. inews.co.uk/news/long-read…

It’s imperative that all healthcare providers know not everyone attending cervical screening will be a woman, and are aware of the reasons that might stop people accessing services.

We also call for training to be offered to providers to help them design inclusive services, to help patients feel comfortable accessing services, or to offer alternative routes that are more inclusive (not asking trans masculine people to use ‘well women’ clinics, for example).