Why the Dutch dictionary has a new word for labia

Linguistics researcher Dr Beth Malory says any changes need to be researched first.

“Will people understand uterectomy? Is simply saying removal of the womb better?”

New words cannot be ambiguous, she says, it’s important to look at the whole system so there is no confusion.

Malory also studies language around pregnancy and loss.

One phrase highlighted in her research is “incompetent cervix” used to describe the shortening of the cervix that can increase risks of pregnancy loss and early birth. Women told her it made them feel blamed for the medical issue.

“Why do we need judgmental words like failure or incompetence?” says obstetrician Dr Brooke Vandermolen, external.

Even though they appear in medical textbooks, she tells me she’s moved away from certain terms, including “failure to progress” – which describes labour not moving forward as expected.

“Language is incredibly important and the words we choose can show recognition and make people feel validated and seen.”

In 2022, the Royal College of Midwives produced guidance offering alternative phrases.

But Vandermolen says some traditional terms are still being used and still cause distress.

“I hope this change in the Netherlands sparks more conversations here about how we speak about women’s bodies. What we say can have a lasting impact.”