Commentary: Effective communication about pregnancy, birth, lactation, breastfeeding and newborn care: the importance of sexed language

In “Effective Communication About Pregnancy, Birth, Lactation, Breastfeeding, and Newborn Care: The Importance of Sexed Language”, Gribble et al. argue that incorporating “sexed language” into perinatal services addresses the needs of people with diverse gender identities, while “desexed language” purportedly disadvantages cisgender women. We agree with Gribble et al. that effective communication is essential in promoting equitable perinatal care and advancing reproductive justice. However, we respectfully dispute their claim that “sexed language” promotes equitable perinatal care because it is based on scientific inaccuracies and misrepresentations. We also point out key areas where more thorough engagement with the literature leads to different conclusions. Finally, we note how their rhetorical strategies are harmful as they perpetuate the ongoing marginalization of women along with that of gender and sexual minorities