Using a person’s chosen name and pronouns is more than a matter of politeness—it is a way of acknowledging and respecting their identity. This can have a significant impact in everyday life, especially in healthcare settings where patients are often at their most vulnerable. Bennett Kaspar-Williams, a transgender man, experienced this firsthand when he gave birth to his son, Hudson, in 2020. Although his medical records identified him as male and he had informed healthcare providers of his identity, he was repeatedly referred to as “mother” during his scheduled C-section. Instead of remembering the day solely with joy, he also recalls the emotional strain caused by being repeatedly misgendered.
Bennett realized he was transgender in 2011 and began his transition in 2014, including top surgery, while choosing not to undergo bottom surgery. Because he retained the ability to become pregnant, he and his partner later decided that he would carry their child. Bennett has explained that pregnancy never changed how he saw himself—it was simply the most practical way for them to start a family. However, throughout his prenatal care and delivery, he was frequently addressed with gendered terms that did not reflect his identity. Even after corrections, those terms often continued, making an already intense experience more emotionally difficult.
Bennett has said that pregnancy is a biological process rather than a gender identity. In his view, carrying a child did not make him a woman; he remained a man using his body’s natural ability to bring his son into the world. His story drew attention to the importance of inclusive healthcare practices, where small changes—such as asking patients how they prefer to be addressed—can make a meaningful difference. His experience is not unique. In 2019, transgender man Freddy McConnell gave birth in the United Kingdom and later documented his journey. Unlike Bennett, Freddy has described receiving respectful care from medical staff, who consistently acknowledged his identity and used appropriate language throughout his pregnancy and delivery.
Today, both Bennett and Freddy proudly identify as fathers and are raising their children with love and confidence. They hope their families will help broaden public understanding that parenthood is defined by care, commitment, and responsibility rather than rigid gender expectations. By sharing their experiences, they have encouraged conversations about how healthcare systems and society can better support transgender parents. Their stories highlight that respectful language is not only about courtesy but also about creating environments where every patient feels recognized, valued, and able to access care without fear of being misunderstood.
