Right here at We ❤ Well being Literacy Headquarters, we all the time attempt to use probably the most inclusive and relatable phrases for our goal audiences. Which means skipping patronizing phrases for older adults, stigmatizing lingo for individuals in jail, and scary phrases for mothers and infants.
However even seemingly impartial phrases can exclude a number of the individuals you’re making an attempt to succeed in. Take “pregnant girls” for instance. Appears nice, hey? However girls aren’t the one individuals who get pregnant. Transgender males, gender nonbinary individuals, and others do, too.
This may increasingly seem to be no huge deal, as a result of nearly all of pregnant individuals determine as girls. However easy fashion decisions just like the singular “they” and the gender-impartial time period “pregnant individuals” could make your supplies extra welcoming for quickly-to-be mother and father from throughout the gender spectrum.
So think about swapping phrases like “mothers-to-be” for extra inclusive phrases like “people who find themselves pregnant” — or strive utilizing “you” for a extra conversational tone.
As a substitute of this:
- Pregnant girls ought to speak to the physician about how you can keep energetic.
- Expectant moms have to see their physician for normal checkups.
- Folic acid is really useful for all mothers-to-be.
Do this:
- In the event you’re pregnant, speak together with your physician about how you can keep energetic.
- Pregnant individuals have to see their physician for normal checkups.
- In the event you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, take folic acid each day.
The underside line: When writing about being pregnant, strive making your supplies inclusive for fogeys-to-be of all genders.