The term “fathers” is being deleted from antenatal guidelines in the UK to be replaced by the more general term “birthing partners”. The move has raised concerns as a think-tank published a report showing many men feel their roles as fathers has been downgraded.

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) highlighted one NHS website headlined “your pregnancy and baby guide” which listed the word “father” once as one of the options for a “birthing partner”, along with “a close friend, partner, or a relative”. The think-tank said it was an example of a growing trend and noted that the term “birthing partner” – the person who supports the mother in the delivery room – is used 14 times.

The Fatherhood Institute has also highlighted the habit of removing the “father” reference in NHS clinics. It noted that 95 per cent of parents are in a couple relationship, and 95 per cent register the birth together. “Yet despite the overwhelming presence of the biological father, the term ‘woman’s partner’ or ‘mother’s partner’ is commonly used in maternity services. This defines the baby’s father solely as a support person and does not recognise his unique connections (both genetic and social) to his infant.”