Massachusetts lawmakers have approved a measure which would replace the words “mother” and “father” with more “inclusive” terms, including replacing the former with “person who gave birth,” on certain state documents such as birth certificates. This move is aimed at making the language used in parentage laws more inclusive and respectful of all family structures by changing what appears on state documents like birth certificates. The word “mother” would now be changed to “person who gave birth.” This measure has already passed both the Massachusetts House and Senate, and will now head to Governor Maura Healey’s desk for approval.
The push for more inclusive language in parentage laws is part of a broader effort by members of the radical left to address issues related to gender identity. In 2021, the Biden administration’s 2022 fiscal year budget request introduced the term “birthing people” to replace the word “mothers.” Critics argue that this move erases women and their unique experiences in giving birth, while supporters contend that it is a more inclusive way of referring to those who give birth.
The Massachusetts bill also replaces other terms such as “paternity” with “parentage,” “himself” with “themself,” and “child born out of wedlock” with “nonmarital child.” The passage of this measure is likely to spark further debate on the appropriate use of language when discussing parentage, gender identity, and family structures.