Inclusive Language Matters: In Birth Spaces and Beyond
Written by Shay Gabriel
Inclusion seeks not to erase anyone within a broad group of individuals; instead, it allows us to invite more people under the umbrella whenever we address a group of unique individuals. Inclusive terms matter, and we all use them in many situations!
consider this
How many times have you written or encountered a document addressed, “Dear Parent/Guardian?” These umbrella terms, "parent" and "guardian," allow many types of caretakers to be recognized and addressed, all at once: The grandmother who has legal guardianship over her grandson, a widowed dad, a transgender stepmom, foster parents, the big sister who took her orphaned siblings under her wing…and the list goes on. We embrace this inclusive language to refer to unique individuals within the broad group of "designated adult caretakers of children." More exclusive words like "mothers" wouldn't be as effective here, because mothers are only a subgroup within the umbrella of parent/guardian. (But "mothers" is fitting specifically for mothers!)
birthy language matters, too
Consider, for example, how we might refer to a non-specific individual within a broad group of "people who are pregnant." This group includes and is not limited to: Surrogates, non-binary parents, biological parents choosing adoption, transgender folks…and the list goes on. Here, inclusive terms such as "pregnant person" or "birthing person" work well as an umbrella for anyone who is pregnant or anticipating birth. More exclusive words like "mothers" wouldn't be as effective here, because mothers are only a subgroup within the umbrella of pregnant people. (But "pregnant mothers" is fitting specifically for pregnant mothers!)
practice makes progress
As language continues to evolve, and in a world still in great need of dismantling oppressive systems, may we mindfully consider the words we use. May we embrace inclusive terms as more mindful, accurate, and effective language, in perinatal spaces and beyond!
What inclusive terms are you implementing into your language lately?
Personally, I notice several gendered career terms that were commonplace in my own childhood (such as mailman and waitress). I'm shifting to gender-neutral language (like mail carrier and server) with my own children and finding that over time, my subconscious use of language is evolving.
wait, there's more
This topic matters a lot to our team here at Sprout and Blossom, particularly as we recognize the need for systemic change in birth and perinatal spaces. Stay tuned as we discuss our wishes for embracing pride in the world of birth work. And if you have any thoughts you'd like to share, from the perspective of a client/patient or care provider/birth worker, we'd love to hear from you.
What does an LGBTQ+ safe birth/perinatal space look like to you, in action?
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