Title

Getting to Gender Inclusive Language in a Textbook Chapter

Author(s) Information

Lise Hauser, Loyola University ChicagoFollow

Streaming Media

Name of Corresponding Author

Lise Hauser

Credentials of Corresponding Author

DNP, RN

Nature and scope of the project

Published in 2018, Prenatal and Postnatal Care: A Woman-Centered Approach, 2^nd ed is a comprehensive text for care of clients during the childbearing years. The editors asked this author to revise her chapter on neurological disorders for the 3^rd edition of the text, titled Prenatal and Postnatal Care: A Person-Centered Approach. Submissions to the text’s 3^rd edition should integrate evidence around health disparities and inequities into the text, including gender inclusive language.

Synthesis and analysis of supporting literature

Gender inclusive language is respectful, inclusive, and free of bias. Organizations including the National League for Nursing, American Psychological Association, National Academy of Medicine, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Nurse-Midwives, and others published statements affirming the use of inclusive language to overcome health inequities based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Project implementation

This author reviewed the chapter on Neurological Disorders utilizing the American Psychological Association (APA) Style Guidelines on Bias-Free Language (7^th ed.) and literature specific to prenatal and postnatal care of lesbian and transgender (female-to-male or F2M) clients.

Evaluation criteria

The revised chapter should meet the publisher’s criteria

• Address health and healthcare inequities as related to gender identity
• Utilize gender inclusive language
• Utilize bias-free language
• Incorporate information specific to the needs of prenatal and postnatal care of transgender and non-gender conforming clients
• Explicitly name the corresponding dynamics that play a role in generating specific health inequities

Outcomes

This author edited the chapter text as follows:

• Over 130 terms updated to utilize gender inclusive language
• Chapter expanded to include three areas related to prenatal and postnatal care of transgender and lesbian clients
• Discussion of the role transphobia and homophobia play in health inequities experienced by lesbian and transgender childbearing families

Recommendations

Language is ever evolving, and inclusive, bias-free language involves more than simple substitution of one term for another. The principles of service that promote justice call us to listen closely to individuals as they share their lived experiences, and honor them through our language.