abortion | Campus Safe Words

TERM: abortion
RISK LEVEL: High

Why It’s Risky

The term “abortion” is highly politicized and frequently cited in state legislation targeting academic content deemed ideologically biased. Laws such as Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act and Texas Senate Bill 17 discourage public institutions from promoting or normalizing viewpoints perceived as endorsing elective abortion. Use of the term without neutral framing may be interpreted as advocacy, especially when presented without acknowledging contested moral, legal, or scientific dimensions. Faculty may face scrutiny if course materials or programming appear to take a stance on abortion access, especially in health sciences, law, or ethics curricula.

Common Critiques

Critics argue that using “abortion” as a neutral or unqualified term promotes a particular political agenda. Conservative lawmakers often assert that public institutions should not support what they view as morally objectionable or constitutionally unsettled practices. There is also concern about exposing students to what some view as one-sided or activist messaging on life issues, especially in general education settings.

When It’s Still Appropriate

The term may be necessary in clinical, legal, or historical contexts where clarity is paramount. For example, medical training programs and reproductive health courses may use the term when describing procedures or outcomes in a scientific manner. Legal studies courses may reference the term in discussions of Roe v. Wade, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, or state-level regulations. In such cases, faculty should maintain a balanced tone and clearly situate the term within academic inquiry rather than advocacy.

Suggested Substitutes

1. Pregnancy termination (for medical or legal contexts)

2. Reproductive procedure (when referring broadly to options)

3. Maternal health decision (in ethical or policy discussions)

4. Legal status of procedures (for discussions focused on regulation)

5. Women’s health issue (when appropriate for context, use with care)

Notes:
Avoid using the term in promotional materials, general education syllabi, or campus programming titles without clear academic justification. Where the term is necessary, consider including clarifying language that signals neutrality and academic relevance. In politically sensitive environments, consult institutional counsel or DEI alternatives review boards if available.