No longer women but “individuals with a cervix”.
The American Cancer Society has issued its latest guidance for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer, and instead of using the term “women” to refer to its intended audience, begins its guidance by referring to “individuals with a cervix.”
Oddly enough, the paragraph begins by referring to “individuals with a cervix” but later in the paragraph refers to “women,” as follows:
The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals with a cervix follow these guidelines to help find cervical cancer early. Following these guidelines can also find pre-cancers, which can be treated to keep cervical cancer from starting. These guidelines do not apply to people who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer or cervical pre-cancer. These women should have follow-up testing and cervical cancer screening as recommended by their health care team.
The new guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening to start at age 25, instead of 21 as heretofore, but move HPV testing to start at 25 instead of 30, as the Daily Mail noted.
Last month “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling last month triggered criticism when she mocked the global development website Devex for its report about “people who menstruate,” writing, “People who menstruate.” I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?” After blowback ensued, she fired back, “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.”