A new controversy has erupted between the NHS and women’s rights campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen over protest posters she designed to mock the health service’s approach to gender identity and medical terminology.
Keen, also known as Posie Parker, has refused to withdraw the materials despite receiving a legal warning from the UK government.
The Posters That Sparked Legal Threats
Keen’s posters, which resemble official NHS branding but are labeled as “MHS” (Men’s Health Service), criticize the NHS for its use of terms like “female prostate screening” and “male smear tests.”
These terms, she argues, are misleading and ignore biological realities.
Some of the posters include phrases such as:
- “0 women die every year of prostate cancer.”
- “The NHS doesn’t know what a woman is.”
- “Your female-only ward might have a man or two in it.”
Government Demands Removal of Materials
The UK Department of Health and Social Care sent Keen an official legal letter demanding she stop using NHS-style branding and remove the posters within two weeks.
The letter, issued on behalf of Health Secretary Wes Streeting, warned of possible legal action under the Trade Marks Act 1984 for unauthorized use of the NHS logo and name.
In the letter, officials stressed the need to protect the NHS identity, arguing that its branding carries significant public trust.
They also warned that legal costs could be pursued if she did not comply.
Keen Stands Firm: “Let Them Sue Me”
Despite the threat of legal action, Keen remains defiant.
She told MailOnline she has no intention of backing down, stating, “If they want to sue me, they can.
Let’s get this all before a judge and have a conversation.”
She insists that her posters are an obvious parody, meant to highlight what she sees as the absurdity of the NHS’s language choices regarding gender.
“It’s supposed to be funny,” she said.
“I wanted women to be able to print this out, get together, and let people see what’s going on in their local NHS.”
NHS and Government Response
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care reiterated that the NHS logo and name are protected under trademark law and that unauthorized use is taken seriously.
They stated that the government actively monitors and takes action against cases of potential misuse but declined to comment on the specifics of Keen’s case.
Wider Debate Over Gender and Healthcare
This legal clash is happening against the backdrop of broader disputes over gender identity in healthcare.
The UK government recently announced a ban on puberty blockers for minors, citing safety concerns.
Additionally, reports have emerged that the NHS has recorded hundreds of female patients being treated for prostate issues, a condition exclusive to biological males.
Critics argue this is a result of the NHS allowing individuals to change their gender markers on medical records without requiring medical transition.
Ongoing Controversies Over Gender-Neutral Language
The NHS has faced previous backlash for adopting gender-neutral terminology in medical contexts.
Reports have highlighted instances where maternity services refer to “birthing people” rather than mothers, and breastfeeding has been labeled “chestfeeding.”
Critics argue that this language change erases women and contributes to confusion in medical care.
What’s Next?
As the legal dispute between Keen and the NHS unfolds, it raises critical questions about free speech, medical accuracy, and the role of gender identity in healthcare policy.
Will the government follow through with its legal threats, or will this case ignite a broader public debate?
For now, Keen remains resolute in her defiance, and the NHS is standing firm in its legal position.
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