breastfeed + person | Campus Safe Words

TERM: breastfeed + person
RISK LEVEL: High

Why It’s Risky

Using “person” in place of “mother” or “woman” in the context of breastfeeding—such as “person who breastfeeds” or “breastfeeding person”—is closely associated with gender-inclusive language promoted in DEI frameworks. In states with legislation like Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act and Arkansas Act 1002, public institutions are under scrutiny for language that appears to separate biological sex from gender identity. This phrasing is often viewed as ideologically driven and may be flagged as inconsistent with state definitions of sex and parental roles.

Common Critiques

Critics argue that substituting “person” for “mother” or “woman” in biological contexts erases sex-based language and reflects political activism rather than scientific accuracy. Lawmakers and public commentators frequently cite such phrasing as evidence of progressive overreach in healthcare, education, and public policy. The use of gender-neutral language in maternal or reproductive health contexts is often seen as incompatible with state-level standards that define sex in strictly biological terms.

When It’s Still Appropriate

This phrasing may be appropriate in clinical or public health settings when addressing or studying populations that include transgender or nonbinary individuals. It can also be used in academic research examining inclusive language or gender identity in healthcare delivery. In such cases, usage should be clearly tied to the scope of study and not framed as institutional policy or default terminology.

Suggested Substitutes

1. Mother or nursing mother (in general or traditional usage)

2. Woman who breastfeeds (in educational or healthcare contexts)

3. Lactating mother (for medical or clinical materials)

4. Female parent (used cautiously in legal or social work contexts)

5. Biological mother (when clarity is needed in sex-based contexts)

Notes:
Avoid using gender-neutral language like “person who breastfeeds” in general education, public materials, or institutional policy without a specific medical or research-based justification. Where inclusion is necessary, clarify that the language reflects the needs of a particular patient population or scholarly inquiry. In politically sensitive environments, default to sex-based terminology aligned with state policy unless directed otherwise by accrediting or legal standards.