Pregnant Women or Pregnant Patients, Not Pregnant People: Why Words Matter in Medicine

When language gets political, patient care suffers

Language in medicine is never neutral. The words we choose shape not only how we communicate with patients but also how we record data, conduct research, and advocate for public health. In obstetrics, terminology around pregnancy has become increasingly contested. Should we say “pregnant women,” “pregnant patients,” or “pregnant people”?

As an obstetrici…