fetus | Campus Safe Words

TERM: fetus
RISK LEVEL: high

Definition

“Fetus” refers to the developing human from roughly the ninth week after conception until birth, as defined in medical and biological contexts. In higher education, the term is commonly used in health sciences, anatomy, nursing, bioethics, and public policy courses, as well as in institutional research connected to reproductive health.

Why It’s Risky

While medically accurate and standard in clinical disciplines, the term “fetus” is politically sensitive due to its central role in the national debate over abortion. In conservative-led states, recent legislation—such as Florida’s Heartbeat Protection Act or Texas’s trigger laws—reflects a legal and rhetorical shift toward language that emphasizes fetal personhood. In these contexts, the term “fetus” may be viewed as ideologically aligned with pro-choice framing, especially when used in public communications, grant proposals, or institutional statements perceived to minimize the status of unborn life. Risk increases when “fetus” appears without acknowledgment of alternative terms like “unborn child,” particularly in programs or messaging related to ethics, medicine, or public health.

Common Critiques

Critics argue that use of the term “fetus” in isolation may signal institutional bias toward pro-choice positions, especially when the language appears in course catalogs, health center materials, or public policy programming. In some legislative and donor circles, this terminology is seen as clinical to the point of dehumanization, and as reflective of ideological alignment with abortion access advocacy. Some conservative policymakers contend that institutions have a responsibility to reflect moral and legal recognition of unborn life in accordance with state law. When public universities refer to fetal development without acknowledging personhood language—especially in externally facing documents or programming—they may face reputational risks, legislative scrutiny, or funding restrictions.

Suggested Substitutes

Developing child (in public health or family education programs)
Unborn child (in legal, ethical, or state policy contexts)
Prenatal stage (in neutral medical or academic discussions)
In utero development (in biology or anatomy curricula)
Fetal stage (in scientific or clinical instruction)

These alternatives allow for medical precision while aligning with broader legal and cultural expectations in conservative settings.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

“Fetus” remains appropriate and standard in scientific, medical, and research contexts where terminology is defined and discipline-specific. It is also acceptable in peer-reviewed publications, anatomy courses, and federally regulated research protocols. In public communications or general education materials, especially in politically conservative states, consider contextualizing or pairing with more widely accepted alternatives.

NOTES: When using the term, be sensitive to the legal and cultural environment. Align language with medical accuracy while respecting applicable state law and public perception. Avoid exclusive use of “fetus” in outreach, public service messaging, or institutional policies without acknowledging alternative terms where appropriate.