Bennett Kaspar-Williams, a non-binary transmasculine parent from Los Angeles, gave birth to his son Hudson in 2020. While the experience of carrying his child was something he embraced, it was marred by a frustrating and painful reality: constant misgendering by medical staff.

Despite clearly identifying as male and marking “male” on all medical paperwork, hospital staff regularly referred to Bennett as “mom,” disregarding both his gender identity and his pronouns. “The only thing that made me dysphoric about my pregnancy was the misgendering,” he shared.

Bennett began transitioning in 2014, and although he had undergone top surgery, he had not pursued lower-body procedures. When he and his partner decided to start a family, Bennett paused hormone therapy and was comfortable with the idea of carrying a child. His story pushes back against traditional ideas about gender, pregnancy, and what it means to be a parent.

Now, Bennett is using his voice to advocate for more inclusive and affirming language in reproductive healthcare—highlighting a truth that often goes overlooked: not everyone who gives birth is a woman, and not all women become mothers.

“The idea that motherhood is synonymous with womanhood is outdated,” he said. “Everyone deserves to have their identity respected—especially in healthcare settings where dignity and support matter most.”