Confusing Words: City Council Struggles with Basic Terms

The City Council is making headlines, but not for the right reasons. They are trying to pass laws about pregnancy and health after birth. But they are having a hard time with their words. They don't want to say “woman. ” Instead, they use “birthing person” or “pregnant people. ” It sounds odd and confusing. Councilwoman Farah Louis says she wants everyone who gives birth to get good care. But why can't she just say “women”? Women are the ones who get pregnant and have babies. It's a simple fact. But the Council seems to be avoiding this fact. Even Speaker Adrienne Adams is doing the same thing. She wants Medicaid to pay for blood pressure monitors for “pregnant and postpartum people. ” Again, why not just say “women”? It's not a secret that women have babies. Every human being was born to a mother. That's just how life works. The Council sometimes slips up and uses words like “maternal health” or “maternal mortality. ” These words come from the Latin word for mother. So, it seems they are okay with Latin words but not the plain English word “woman. ” It's all very confusing.