The Associated Press is adding a new acceptable phrase to its Stylebook.
In a tweet Wednesday, the AP wrote, “We now have guidance saying that “pregnant women” or “women seeking abortions” is acceptable phrasing.”
“Phrases like ‘pregnant people’ or ‘people seeking abortions’ are acceptable when you want to be inclusive of people who have those experiences but do not identify as women,” it added.
The tweet also included a graphic that shared further information about the acceptable phrases. It added:
“Use judgment and decide what is most appropriate in a given story. Neutral alternatives like abortion patients are acceptable, but do not use overly clinical language like people with uteruses or birthing people.”
We now have guidance saying that "pregnant women" or "women seeking abortions" is acceptable phrasing.
— APStylebook (@APStylebook) August 17, 2022
Phrases like "pregnant people" or "people seeking abortions" are acceptable when you want to be inclusive of people who have those experiences but do not identify as women. pic.twitter.com/ljaabPxWak
Check out some of the reactions below:
— Abigail Marone ?? (@abigailmarone) August 17, 2022
I’m glad saying pregnant women is ok again ? https://t.co/g0UkiO8qlL
— ????????????????? (@CallMeK1123) August 17, 2022
This phrasing reminds me of the flair scene in Office Space. “What do YOU think of people who don’t want to be inclusive?” https://t.co/bAJHLLDnWh
— David Marcus (@BlueBoxDave) August 17, 2022
SHIFT https://t.co/1VvX299n7k
— Kaya (the token half-asian) (@kayatweetsstuff) August 17, 2022
This used to be the no-nonsenese guide for news writing. Not anymore. https://t.co/JWNR6DZRsn
— Beverly Hallberg (@BeverlyHallberg) August 17, 2022
Imagine being this allergic to taking any sort of a stand about language https://t.co/yUNjBvWgs5
— Julie Kliegman (@jmkliegman) August 17, 2022
So now that Democrats need women to be women again with the whole Roe thing, AP is giving us all permission to say the word women again. https://t.co/JkUZbuUBeQ
— The?FOO (@PolitiBunny) August 17, 2022
The AP was criticized earlier this year after it issued guidance for using phrases such as “pregnant people” or “people who seek an abortion.”
It stated, “Phrasing like pregnant people or people who seek an abortion seeks to include people who have those experiences but do not identify as women, such as some transgender men and some nonbinary people.”
“Such phrasing should be confined to stories that specifically address the experiences of people who do not identify as women. See gender, sex and sexual orientation,” the guidance added.
