Earlier this year I hosted a chat with some fabulous colleagues and the indomitable Maxine Trump, producer of To Kid or Not to Kid.
Not only was it a great big sisterhood shot in the arm, but it was also the beginning of a plight that one childfree film-maker and three mother-doctors decided could not end there!
Earlier this month we completed our collaborative letter to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to ask them to do two things. Firstly, kindly read our letter and consider changes the medical profession could make to how a childfree woman is managed in a clinical setting. For example, encourage/educate doctors to move away from any talk of ‘regrets’ and instead lean more into personal choice and shared management plans, with a focus on what the woman wants, rather than what the woman should want according to societal pressures and norms. It is clear we still have some way to go with this when we listen to childfree voices. Secondly, we are asking the Royal College if they will consider hosting an event around Max’s wonderful film.
Personally, what struck me most about it, watching both as a doctor and a mother, was the balance. I feel it must be very hard to create a film that is both utterly compelling, but at the same time totally devoid of coercion. This film does that.
But don’t listen to me. The film says it all. Please watch it. Or just take a few minutes to watch the trailer below.
Thank you to Dr Amy Kerstein (GP) and Dr Georgina Fraser (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist) for their work both on the night of the panel and contributions to our letter in support of the childfree woman.
Michelle is an experienced operational and strategic senior manager with 10 years experience in the NHS. She is currently studying an MBA in Strategic Management and recently accomplished the Board Directors Programme. Michelle has an interest in the governance and development of services.
Kelly is a registered nurse and has had a varied career that has crossed both education and health and usually involved supporting young people. She joined You Before Two in its infancy, initially to support with delivering Workshop around Sexual Health and Contraception as that was her ‘day’ job at the time. She has more recently moved into a Safeguarding Children’s role in nursing and so has become the Safeguarding Lead at the charity. Its great to see how You Before Two has grown in the last 3 years and it’s a pleasure to be part of it.
Andrea is from Brazil. She emigrated to England around 15 years ago and she loves it. She has always worked with people in her life, and it is something that really fills her soul. During her early years in Brazil, she used to work as a volunteer in her church providing free soup for people in need and also visiting hospitals trying to cheer up those in need of a chat or a cuddle. She has always believed that we should help each other and now more than ever. We are living in a very busy world where sometimes even when you are surrounded by many people you are still feeling lonely. Therefore she believes that if she could help the next generation to go through life without all the worries and concerns that she had when she was that age, is just an amazing opportunity.
Fiona has over 20 years experience as a Solicitor. She is a Senior Partner for a firm in Rotherham. Fiona has an avid interest in education and supporting young people in an increasingly challenging world. She has a wealth of experience of being on charity boards and is You Before Two’s legal and policy expert. Fiona has been with You Before Two since its inception and is a dedicated and dynamic member of the team.
The day you stop learning is the day you stop living.