In the quiet, humming hallway of a Los Angeles maternity ward in late 2020, a father held his newborn son for the very first time. The arrival of little Hudson brought overwhelming joy to Bennett Kaspar-Williams and his husband, Malik, marking the fulfillment of a deeply cherished dream. Yet, alongside the profound warmth of welcoming new life, Bennett experienced a persistent, underlying tension. Though Bennett identifies as a non-binary man and had clearly specified his gender on medical paperwork, attending clinical staff repeatedly addressed him using feminine parental terms.
For Bennett, who had paused hormone replacement therapy to carry his child, the physical journey of pregnancy was a natural expression of love and bodily capability. However, the linguistic dissonance within the hospital setting highlighted a growing societal question: how do healthcare systems and cultural institutions adapt when traditional concepts of parenthood intersect with evolving understandings of gender identity?
This personal experience reflects a broader ongoing conversation across modern medicine, anthropology, and social science. By examining both the historical symbolism surrounding nurture and the clinical realities of inclusive healthcare, we can better understand how language shapes human connection and medical care.
Long before modern medical terminology classified parental roles, ancient cultures around the globe recognized that the capacity to give life, nurture, and protect was a complex and multifaceted aspect of the human condition. Traditional mythology is filled with figures that blurred rigid boundaries, reminding us that caregiving has always transcended simple categorization.
In ancient Norse mythology, foundational figures were depicted as possessing dual or non-binary creative qualities, capable of generating life independently. Similarly, in various Indigenous traditions across North America, individuals who embodied both masculine and feminine traits—often revered as Two-Spirit people—held honored roles as caregivers, healers, and bridge-builders within their communities. These cultural traditions viewed the ability to nurture not as a strict rule tied to one specific social label, but as a sacred human capacity.
Speculatively, the discomfort felt when traditional labels are applied universally stems from a historic narrowing of parental definitions during the 19th and 20th centuries. As Western societies institutionalized healthcare, administrative language became standardized around specific social roles. Revisiting older cultural perspectives allows us to recognize that supporting a parent’s authentic identity is a return to a broader, more flexible understanding of human family structures.
The Endocrinology of Gestation: Separation of Function and Identity
From a physiological perspective, the human body’s capacity to carry a pregnancy is governed by biological mechanisms that operate independently of an individual’s personal gender identity. For transgender men and non-binary individuals who retain reproductive organs, pausing gender-affirming hormone therapy can allow natural hormonal cycles to resume, enabling successful conception and gestation.
Medical research in reproductive endocrinology demonstrates that testosterone therapy does not permanently alter the underlying functional capacity of ovarian tissue in most individuals. When testosterone intake is paused under medical supervision, pituitary signals encourage the resumption of normal reproductive functions.
Clinical studies emphasize that the physical process of gestation is a biological function, whereas identity is a psychological and social reality. When healthcare environments align their administrative practices with a patient’s self-identification, clinical outcomes improve because stress markers decrease, leading to clearer communication between patients and medical providers.
Psychological Well-Being: The Impact of Affirming Communication
In the field of medical psychology, the distress caused by being misgendered—especially during vulnerable experiences like childbirth—is recognized as a significant stress factor. For transgender and non-binary patients, receiving care in settings where their identity is continuously overlooked can lead to healthcare avoidance and elevated anxiety.
Psychological research shows that affirming communication directly correlates with lower stress levels and higher overall well-being. When medical personnel use correct names and pronouns, it fosters an environment of safety and mutual respect.
“Language in healthcare is more than mere etiquette; it is a fundamental tool of clinical care that directly influences patient safety, psychological comfort, and trust.”
Sociologists note that institutions often struggle with administrative lag, where intake forms, electronic health records, and default clinical phrasing remain anchored in legacy frameworks. Updating these systems to accommodate diverse family structures ensures that every parent receives care that respects both their physical needs and their personal dignity.
Community Adaptation and the Future of Family Care
As public awareness surrounding diverse family paths continues to grow, healthcare institutions are increasingly adopting person-centered language guidelines. Major medical organizations now advocate for flexible intake systems that allow patients to specify both their legal information and their preferred everyday terms.
This shift does not eliminate traditional terminology for those who cherish it; rather, it expands the linguistic toolbox to ensure everyone feels seen and respected.
By encouraging open communication between patients and practitioners, medical settings can become environments where life-affirming moments like childbirth are celebrated without unnecessary emotional friction.
A Reflection on Human Curiosity and Connection
Our ongoing exploration of identity, language, and family structure reflects a deeply human desire to understand one another more fully. Throughout history, societies have continually refined their concepts of community, caregiving, and belonging to accommodate the rich variety of human experience.
When we listen to personal stories of parenthood and medical navigation, we are offered an opportunity to reflect on the universal values that unite us: love, dedication, and the instinct to protect the next generation. Curiosity drives us to look beyond familiar conventions and discover new ways of fostering empathy and respect in our shared spaces.
Ultimately, honoring an individual’s authentic journey enriches the entire community. As our understanding of identity continues to evolve, the core commitment to compassion, human dignity, and thoughtful care remains the most enduring foundation for a healthy society.
Sources
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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Committee Opinions on healthcare for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals during pregnancy and post-partum care.
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The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH): Standards of Care guidelines regarding hormone therapy, reproductive options, and inclusive clinical practices.
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The Journal of Medical Ethics: Articles analyzing person-centered communication, patient autonomy, and the psychological impact of institutional language.
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The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Research publications exploring social determinants of health, mental well-being, and health equity in primary care settings.
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The Daily Mail / New York Post: Contemporary news reporting documenting personal interviews, public advocacy, and personal narratives regarding non-binary parenthood.
