EngenderHealth’s Language Guides provide practical tools for using inclusive, non-stigmatizing, and rights-based language across sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). From abortion care to adolescent health, maternal care, and disability inclusion, these guides help ensure communication affirms dignity, advances equity, and avoids harm.
EngenderHealth’s Principles of Language Use provides guidance for creating inclusive, respectful, and empowering communication in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The document outlines organizational responsibilities, offers guiding questions to identify stigmatizing terms, and encourages tailoring messages to diverse audiences while centering dignity, equality, and agency.
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EngenderHealth’s Abortion Language Guide promotes inclusive, nonjudgmental communication around abortion care. It defines key terms, discourages stigmatizing language, and frames abortion as essential healthcare. The guide emphasizes bodily autonomy, informed choices, and person-centered care to reduce stigma and advance reproductive rights globally.
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The Adolescent and Youth SRHR Language Guide supports inclusive communication that affirms youth autonomy and informed decision-making. It introduces key concepts like evolving capacities and sex positivity while discouraging stigmatizing terms. The guide emphasizes adolescent-friendly care and comprehensive sexuality education as essential to empowering young people.
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EngenderHealth’s Gender-Based Violence Language Guide promotes survivor-centered, inclusive communication that avoids myths and stigmatizing terms. It recognizes all forms of GBV and highlights the importance of survivor voices in advancing dignity, gender equality, and effective responses in global health.
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Supporting a gender-equal world starts with how we speak. Our Gender, Sex, and Sexuality Language Guide offers clear principles to ensure inclusive, affirming language that supports everyone’s sexual and reproductive choices. It encourages gender-neutral terms, respect for pronouns, and open, stigma-free communication. By fostering equity and respect for diverse identities, it strengthens inclusive healthcare practices.
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EngenderHealth’s Maternal and Obstetrics Care Language Guide emphasizes respectful, inclusive language throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. It defines key maternal health terms, discourages medical jargon, and promotes empowering alternatives that affirm autonomy, informed consent, and safe, dignified care for all individuals.
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EngenderHealth’s People with Disabilities Language Guide promotes disability-inclusive language in SRHR, affirming dignity, autonomy, and equitable healthcare access. It addresses ableism, stereotypes, and outdated terms, while encouraging respect for individual preferences—whether identity-first or person-first. The framework supports inclusive, accessible care for people with disabilities.
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EngenderHealth’s Philanthropic Communications Language Guide provides recommendations for transparent, inclusive, and rights-based donor communications. It emphasizes the leadership of communities, avoids stigmatizing terminology, and ensures youth and gender inclusion in philanthropic messaging, particularly across SRHR, contraceptive care, and GBV programming.
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This FAQ guide addresses common questions about using inclusive language in personal, professional, and organizational contexts. It covers how to navigate evolving norms, correct mistakes, and foster empathy. With practical tips, it encourages continuous learning and respectful dialogue that affirms dignity and inclusion.
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By adopting these guides, organizations and practitioners can ensure their communication supports equity, inclusivity, and rights-based approaches in SRHR. Using language intentionally fosters trust, dismantles stigma, and advances health and dignity for all.