Hospital asks men undergoing scans if they are having a baby

An NHS Trust is reportedly asking men as well as women if they are pregnant, before they undergo radiotherapy or have an MRI scan.

The Daily Telegraph understands that The Walton Centre in Liverpool is among a small number of NHS Trusts to adopt “a ‘gender neutral’ approach”.

In 2017, the Department of Health updated legislation for professionals working in the field, replacing references to “females of childbearing age” with “individuals of childbearing potential”.

Biology vs gender

Medical exposure to radiation may harm an unborn child; consequently, radiographers and support staff are required to explain this to women.

But following the introduction of a ‘gender neutral’ policy, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust now asks “ALL patients under the age of 60, regardless of how you may identify your gender” if they are pregnant.

I can’t think of why you would ask anyone that’s a biological male if they are pregnant or have been pregnant.

A spokesman for the Trust said: “Our policy relating to asking patients if they are pregnant before undergoing procedures involving ionising radiation and MRI adheres to national legislation”.

When asked about the policy, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I can’t think of why you would ask anyone that’s a biological male if they are pregnant or have been pregnant.”

‘Obsession’

Writing for the Daily Mail, Dr Max Pemberton attributed the move to “the NHS’s obsession with gender ideology”.

He argued that “some in the NHS hierarchy are courting controversy for the sake of it, in a rush to be seen as ‘inclusive’”.

Dr Pemberton added: “We need a compassionate but robust approach that balances the individual’s wishes with the biological reality.

“It seems to me perfectly possible — and reasonable — to know whether the person being treated is female or male, while still acknowledging and respecting their gender identity.”

‘Totalitarian’

In February, a Christian doctor challenged an Employment Tribunal ruling that dismissed his biblical views on gender as not “worthy of respect”.

In 2018, Dr David Mackereth was forced out of his job as a trainee disability assessor with the Department of Work and Pensions after saying he could not in conscience call a man “Mrs” or “she”.

Ahead of his appeal, Dr Mackereth said: “My case affects everyone, not just me and Bible-believing Christians, but anyone who is concerned by compelled speech and transgender ideology being enforced on the NHS and other public services.

“The judgment from two years ago said to Christians ‘you have to believe in transgender ideology.’ That is totalitarianism.”