The Importance of Gender-Neutral Language in Healthcare

The Importance of Gender-Neutral Language in Healthcare

As individuals, we have the right to receive healthcare that is respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory. With the ongoing discussions about the importance of these rights, healthcare professionals need to understand the significance of them. They must ensure that their patients feel empowered and respected, regardless of their gender identity. One way providers can achieve this is by adopting gender-neutral language throughout their practice.

Understanding Gendered Terms

Gender terms are words that are associated with either masculine or feminine identities, while gender-neutral terms don’t assume or imply a particular gender. In healthcare settings, gendered language may cause dysphoria and harm patients who do not identify within the binary.

Examples of Gendered Language

• “He/him” and “She/her” instead of “they/them” or other neopronouns.
• “Pregnant women” instead of “people who are pregnant” or “pregnant people.”
• “Breastfeeding mom” instead of “the parent who is breastfeeding/nursing.”
• “Son” and “daughter” instead of “child.”

These terms exclude those who do not identify with the gender-specific language used, causing discomfort, a lack of trust, and making the patient feel marginalized.

Why Gender-Neutral Language is Crucial in Healthcare

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their healthcare setting, and using gender-neutral language can help achieve that goal. For people who are gender non-conforming or transgender, they may have been misgendered in their healthcare setting causing feelings of being stigmatized, marginalized, and lowering their self-esteem. Adopting gender-neutral language can help reduce these instances and create a more inclusive healthcare environment.

Steps to Adopt Gender-Neutral Language in Healthcare

Adopting gender-neutral language can feel challenging, mainly due to the language already in use in the healthcare system. Institutions must make a conscious effort to ensure that the language used is inclusive and does not discriminate against any patient.

Effective Ways to Implement Gender-Neutral Practices

1. Explicitly ask for pronouns and preferred names: A great way to start using gender-neutral language.
2. Always be respectful: If you’re not sure about someone’s gender identity, it's okay to ask politely and respectfully.
3. Focus on Communication and Documentation: Electronic health records should include preferred pronouns, and providers should honor their patients' preferred names and pronouns.
4. Ongoing Training: Healthcare workers should continually train themselves to use the right language when referring to gender non-conforming patients and avoid using gendered language.

Conclusion: Towards a Safer and More Inclusive Healthcare

Gender-neutral language in healthcare is a step towards creating a safer and inclusive healthcare environment. It signifies that providers are aware of different identities and are working towards ensuring that their patients feel welcomed, respected, valued, and safe. Together, we must work towards creating healthcare systems that prioritize inclusivity and provide equal care to all patients.

Author: Lindsey Oswalt , Corazon, Inc.

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