In what many may consider to be completely over the top in political correctness, the NHS has removed the words “woman” and “women” from its menopause page as part of an update to increase inclusive language in its web pages.
The latest update comes after the health service removed the same words from its online ovarian cancer guidance earlier this month, reports The Independent.
At the time, Health Secretary Sajid Javid criticised the removal of the word from the NHS’ advice pages and said he did not “think it’s right”.
Previously, the menopause page introduced the condition with the sentence: “The menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally.”
It also previously said: “The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51.”
The current page for menopause now reads: “Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.”
The Independent article – NHS removes words ‘woman’ and ‘women’ from menopause page (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
UK midwives angered by trans terminology replacing anatomical terms
New NHS guidelines: Transgender patients may choose male or female wards
NHS staff must quiz all patients on sexual orientation