Bennett Kaspar-Williams, a transgender man who gave birth to his son Hudson in 2020, has spoken out about the challenges of navigating the healthcare system while asserting his gender identity.
Despite clearly indicating his male gender on medical forms, Kaspar-Williams was repeatedly misgendered by hospital staff, being referred to as “mother” throughout his son’s birth. This experience highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition of transgender individuals within the healthcare system and the need to separate the concepts of womanhood and motherhood.
“No one can ever really know whether having children is possible until you try – being born with a uterus doesn’t make conceiving or carrying a certainty,” Kaspar-Williams stated. “That’s why it’s so important that we break defining ‘womanhood’ in terms of ‘motherhood,’ because it’s a false equivalency that all women can become mothers, that all mothers carry their children, or that all people who carry children are mothers.”
Kaspar-Williams’ story underscores the importance of respecting individual gender identities, particularly within the healthcare setting. By acknowledging and respecting chosen names and pronouns, healthcare providers can create a more inclusive and affirming environment for all patients.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder that gender identity is complex and multifaceted. It is crucial to move beyond outdated and restrictive definitions of gender to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.