Tense Hearing on Medical School Language and Gender Identity

During a recent hearing, Rep. Mary Miller from Illinois confronted university medical leaders about terminology regarding non-biological women and pregnancy. This exchange occurred in front of a committee examining the influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in medical education.

Miller pointed out a teaching guide from the University of California, San Francisco, which advises using the term “pregnant people” instead of “pregnant women.” She questioned this choice, asking, “Who is pregnant compared to pregnant women? I’m just curious.” In his response, Dr. Sam Hawgood acknowledged that most pregnancies do occur in women, emphasizing that the terminology is intended to prepare students for diverse patient interactions. He claimed, however, that he had no issue with the term “pregnant woman.”

Later, she directly asked, “Has a non-biological woman ever given birth to a child?” Hawgood mentioned transgender individuals in his answer, to which Miller retorted, “That’s not a biological woman,” insisting on clarification. This back-and-forth continued with Miller pressing for straightforward answers without getting them.

Another point of contention arose when Miller referenced a class at UCLA’s School of Medicine that instructs students not to make assumptions about gender. She pointed to a disclaimer that described people with wombs who might not identify as women, expressing frustration over its implications.

When she probed Dr. Steve Dubinette, the dean of UCLA’s medical school, about whether individuals who have uteruses can be non-women, he did not provide a clear answer but mentioned that the school complies with state and federal laws regarding transgender individuals. Miller reiterated her question, seeking a definitive yes or no response.

Miller criticized the session, labeling the DEI curriculum as a façade obscuring the reality of medical education. In a statement following the hearing, she stated that basic biological questions shouldn’t require a medical degree to answer. She argued that a focus on political ideology has overshadowed objective truths in medical education, suggesting that institutions should be held accountable.

The hearing, titled “Developing Activists, Not Doctors: The Impact of DEI on Medical Schools,” focused on the impact of DEI policies on curricula and admissions at prominent universities, including UCLA and UCSF. These discussions have raised concerns about how certain policies could be complicating basic medical education and potentially impacting patient care.