We have observed words like “girls,” “women,” “mothers” and “breastfeeding” being replaced or added to with terms like “people with a cervix”, “birthing people” and “chestfeeding” (desexed language).

It seems these changes have been made without research to determine impact, if they are understood or acceptable. We don’t know how many women misunderstand desexed language or are more confused about their body because of it. We don’t know how many reject messages with desexed language or whose health is harmed. We don’t know the impact on women with low English skills, education, or health knowledge. We urge the Government to fund research on the impact of desexed language in women’s health and how to best communicate with our diverse population of women, including those with special language needs.