Words matter: The Importance of inclusive language in birth work

In the world of birth work - as a doula, the language we use carries weight. It can affirm or alienate, empower or exclude.  As professionals who walk beside people during some of the most vulnerable and transformative times in their lives, we have a responsibility to speak with care, intention, and inclusivity.

This is not just a matter of political correctness- it’s a matter of reproductive justice.

Grounding in Reproductive Justice

To understand why inclusive language is essential in birth work, we look to the Reproductive Justice framework, developed by Sistersong Women of Colour Reproductive Justice Collective. Sistersong defines Reproductive Justice as:

“The human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.”

This framework, rooted in the lived experiences of Black women and other marginalised people, goes beyond the individual “choice” and centres on the systems of power that impact people’s reproductive lives - like racism, sexism, ableism, transphobia, classism, and more.

So, what does language have to do with it?

Language shapes the world we live in,  in birth work it can:

• Signal safety. Using inclusive language communicates that your space is safe for people of all genders, sexualities, races and abilities.

• Honor lived experiences. Not everyone who gives birth identifies as a woman. Trans men, nonbinary people, and gender-expansive people also give birth, and they deserve care that affirms their identities.

• Challenge oppressive norms: Defaulting to “mothers” or “Women” in every context reinforces the gender binary and erases the diversity of birthing peoples identities.

• Align with justice-based care: If we are truly practicing from a Reproductive Justice framework, we must recognise the intersections of identity and ensure our language reflects that.

Resistance to change: Understanding the pushback

“Some within the space argue that the use of this language “erases the woman” from birth. On the contrary, using expansive language is not about erasure but about expansion. It’s about adding and giving space for a wider array of experiences and seeing those experiences as equally valid.” - Isabella Little - from our LGBTQIA+ Competency module

Some people worry that inclusive language “complicates things’ or “erases women”. But these concerns often come from a place of unfamiliarity or discomfort with shifting norms. Inclusive language doesn’t erase - in includes.  It makes space for everyone, without diminishing everyone. It can be as simple as saying “women & birthing people”.

Reproductive Justice teaches us to listen to marginalised voices, especially those most often excluded. That includes trans, nonbinary and LGBTQIA+ parents. If we’re serious about equity in birth work, we must be willing to examine how our words uplift - or harm- those we serve.

It’s practice, not perfection

Adopting inclusive language is not about getting right 100% of the time - it’s about being committed to learning, unlearning, and trying again. Ask questions. Offer apologies when you misstep. Be open to feedback. Make inclusive language part of your daily practice, not just a policy or social media post.

At its heart, birth work is about supporting people through profound transformation. It’s about holding space, offering care, and building trust. Inclusive language is one of the most powerful tools we have in that work.  That’s why The Original Birth Connection course is dedicated to using inclusive language in our courses. That’s why we asked Isabella Little to write our LGBTQIA+ support competency content. 

It’s also why we launched the Doula Conversion Course, amongst its many benefits, we have included our LGBTQIA+ competency content, for those that want to understand inclusive doula practice better, alongside a deeper understanding of human rights in birth, fertility and ongoing support and a lifetime listing on our Doula Directory - helping signal you as a safe space for marginalised birthing people.

Let’s use our words to affirm autonomy, honour identity, and move closer to a world where everyone can birth and parent with dignity, safety and joy.

P.s - Did you see THIS recently on the BBC? Martine Croxall CHANGED a direct quote from The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which stated that birthing people should be careful during a heatwave. Croxall took it upon herself to “correct” the statement to “women”. The BBC, unfortunately, stood by her choice of language. This is an excellent example of how language can erase the lived experience of people who do not fit in the cis-heteronormative definitions. Do non-binary, trans or gender-fluid pregnant people NOT need to be careful in a heatwave??? Make it make sense.