LIBERAL ACADEMIA: Harvard Medical School refers to women as ‘birthing people’

Liberal academia strikes again.

In the english language, there are tons of words used interchangeably for female: woman, lady, girl, gal, even damsel – just to name a few. 

Harvard Medical School just used a new one: “birthing people”.

“Globally, ethnic minority pregnant and birthing people suffer worse outcomes and experiences during and after pregnancy and childbirth,” a tweet said. 

Globally, ethnic minority pregnant and birthing people suffer worse outcomes and experiences during and after pregnancy and childbirth. These inequities have been further highlighted by #COVID19. Watch this panel discussion on #MaternalJustice. https://t.co/RcflQQapQo pic.twitter.com/N5m2s2SRdi

— Harvard Med Postgraduate and Continuing Education (@HMSPostgradCE) November 8, 2020

Shortly after, the institution shared a follow-up. 

“The webinar panelists used the term ‘birthing person’ to include those who identify as non-binary or transgender because not all who give birth identify as ‘women’ or ‘girls’,” they said.

The webinar panelists used the term "birthing person" to include those who identify as non-binary or transgender because not all who give birth identify as "women" or "girls." We understand the reactions to this terminology and in no way meant for it to erase or dehumanize women.

— Harvard Med Postgraduate and Continuing Education (@HMSPostgradCE) November 9, 2020

They added that the terminology was not meant to “dehumanize” or “erase” women, however it seems to do exactly that by reducing women to their organs. 

To sum it up, this statement is neither progressive nor inclusive. 

When talking about those who give birth, women should ideally be first on the list. 

For a side that argues in favor of science, the hypocrisy is astounding.