VERINA HENCHY promotes equality, values diversity and challenges discrimination.
VERINA HENCHY makes an absolute commitment with this statement to promote equality, diversity and inclusivity for all.
VERINA HENCHY offers services to all, irrespective of age, being or becoming a transgender person, mental or physical disability, race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, belief or lack of religion/belief, being married or in a civil partnership or sexual orientation.
“Freedom of expression is fundamental to my beliefs and core values and I will always endeavour to support, publish and represent diverse voices and wide-ranging opinions”.
VERINA HENCHY offers support all users of the maternity system.
I am an intersectional feminist who recognises that birth is hugely affected in a negative way by the way that women and birthing people are subjugated within our society. At the heart of all of my services is the person giving birth, and usually this person identifies as a woman.
I passionately protect the rights of women to their own body autonomy, and as the only person who is legally and morally able to make decisions about her pregnancy and birth.
I recognise that the experience of those from the black and ethnic minority in the maternity services is significantly worse as shown in the rates of maternal mortality. In addition, the ‘normal’ female body is based on white western women, not those from black and ethnic minorities.
I recognise that some people who are pregnant are not women. They may identify as men, trans men, non-binary or something else.
I passionately wish to support the rights of pregnant people who are not women to their own bodily autonomy too. I believe the empowerment of pregnant women can co-exist with supportive care for trans people.
I recognise that the experience of those with different types of disability, sensory impairment, mental health disabilities, and learning disability generally have less choice about labour and birth and are least likely to report a positive experience of maternity care.
I recognise that single people and young people can be stereotyped, stigmatised and discriminated against in the maternity services. They often live in poverty, can suffer a range of employment discrimination once pregnant such as not being able to attend antenatal appointments to even being sacked.
I wish to support all women and people who are pregnant, ensuring that all who birth are protected, included, celebrated, and retain their autonomy over their bodies.
