CDC Directive Removes Progressive Language from Health Research Material

Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have received instructions to eliminate terms commonly associated with progressive gender ideology from their research manuscripts. This change affects the content they aim to publish, stirring considerable debate among healthcare professionals and advocates.

A leaked internal email obtained by Inside Medicine exposes a list of specific terms and phrases that CDC staff must remove from any scientific manuscripts intended for publication. The directive appears to be a response to recent executive orders from the Biden administration, impacting how gender-related language is utilized in federal health communications.

Content Impacted by New Rules

The words identified for removal include “gender,” “transgender,” “pregnant people,” and “LGBT,” among others. Reports suggest this ban encompasses about 20 terms, significantly narrowing the scope of language available for scientific clarity. For instance, the inclusion of the pronouns “they/them” is also prohibited.

This policy not only affects manuscripts currently under peer review but also those already accepted and awaiting publication. The CDC has emphasized that this restriction applies regardless of whether the materials are intended for internal use or external distribution.

Official Response from CDC

A spokesperson for the CDC stated, “All changes to HHS and HHS division websites/manuscripts are in accordance with President Trump’s January 20 Executive Orders.” This assertion aligns with a broader strategy enacted by the Trump administration to alter how government agencies address issues surrounding gender identity.

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has signed multiple executive orders on his first day that pledge to combat what the administration labels as “gender ideology extremism.” One significant focus of these orders is the promotion of “biological truth” within federal communication strategies.

Federal Agencies Directed to Act

In coherence with these directives, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued guidance a week later, urging all federal agencies to swiftly terminate programs that utilize taxpayer funding to promote or reflect gender ideology. This has resulted in widespread changes across various federal platforms.

Specific Web Pages Affected

In addition to the terminology changes, CDC web pages that previously highlighted resources such as “Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth” and the announcement for “National Transgender HIV Testing Day” have been entirely removed. These deletions raise important questions about the availability of support resources for LGBTQ+ communities.

The implications of these changes extend beyond mere language. Experts warn that removing these terms may hinder effective communication, particularly in surveys and research that rely on such language as vital demographic identifiers.

Concerns From Advocacy Groups

Commentators like Scout, executive director of the National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network, have expressed significant concerns. “If you are trying to optimize society, you can’t just pretend some people aren’t in it,” Scout told the Washington Post. This perspective highlights the potential negative consequences of the CDC’s new directive on public health discussions.

Looking Ahead

The action taken by the CDC raises profound questions about the role of language in public health narratives. As the debate continues to unfold, stakeholders from various sectors of society will closely monitor how these changes impact research, community support, and health policy.

The dialogue surrounding these decisions underscores the critical need for inclusive and accurate representation in health communication, particularly for underserved populations. Advocates emphasize that fostering an environment that recognizes diverse identities is essential for effective public health initiatives.