In the year 2023, we have come to be surrounded by many nuanced terms and ideas regarding gender and identity. One very specific change that people are trying to adopt is instead of using the female gender to ascribe to a pregnant person, many are opting to just take gender out completely, and use gender neutral definitions. The reason for this change is that there are lots of transgender and non-binary citizens who feel as if they are being left out when the people say things like “only women can get pregnant”. This situation is one that is incredibly delicate because obviously people wanna respect the trans and non gender conforming communities, but in a way is it not unfair to women to have this incredibly gender specific thing sort of taken away from us.
As I was conducting my research on this topic, an article that was pro using gender neutral terms for birth were few and far between. I always approach research from an unbiased perspective as to ensure I can create my own opinion about a situation. However this specific topic I feel as if the just opinion is the one that argues against these changes. It seems as if this progressive
attitude toward female reproduction, unintentionally harms women and children in the process. Firstly, it is “dehumanizing mothers” (Migdon). For example people are arguing that we should instead of saying “breastfeeding” we should say “lactating parent”. When researching I found that the Biden Administration decided to adopt gender neutral language when talking about pregnant women. It is great to be inclusive, but “diminishing
motherhood to ‘birthing person is simply insulting to all moms.” (Migdon). These gender neutral terms just boils a woman down her body parts, and takes away the beauty that is motherhood.
Governmental institutions are attempting to keep peace and accommodate everyone, but again in this process women have fallen short. Gender specific medicine is very important, because the genetic structure of a male and female are completely different. According to Jenny Gamble, a professo
r of midwifery at Coventry University, “Confusing the idea of gender identity and the reality of sex risks adverse health consequences and deeper and more insidious discrimination against women” (Migdon). The argument is that just because you identify one way, you should not be medically treated as if you are biologically the gender you identify. Especially
when it comes to something as dangerous as child bearing.
Speaking of the medical dangers involved, a specific instance in Australia during Covid-19 is a perfect example. To become a more inclusive country the Federal Health Department in Australia adjusted the impact guide for pregnant and breastfeeding women. They chose to take out the word “women”, and that in turn, “introduced errors into the scientific accuracy of the material in the process” (Tuohy). Due to this change to the date that centered on the effect of this disease specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the data changed to “incorrectly include men” (Tuohy). This ends up creating mass confusion, and ends up negatively affecting everyone involved.
With all this in mind, it is never ok to disrespect someone’s pronouns. Everyone has the right to identify and express themselves however they see fit. It is just important to stay cognizant to cis women, and not to push these new terms on them. Out of respect for both parties involved.
Works Cited:
Migdon, Brooke. “Experts warn gender-neutral language like ‘pregnant people’ may put mothers at risk.” The Hill, 1 February 2022, https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/diversity-inclusion/592335-experts-warn-gender-neutral-language-like/. Accessed 8 November 2023.
Tuohy, Wendy. “Inclusive language risks ‘dehumanising women’, top researchers argue.” The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 January 2022, https://www.smh.com.au/national/inclusive-language-risks-dehumanising-women-top-researchers-argue-20220126-p59red.html. Accessed 8 November 2023.