Work

‘Miscarriage or abortion?’ Understanding the medical language of pregnancy loss in Britain; a historical perspective

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Clinical language applied to early pregnancy loss changed in late twentieth century Britain when doctors consciously began using the term 'miscarriage' instead of 'abortion' to refer to this subject. Medical professionals at the time and since have claimed this change as an intuitive empathic response to women's experiences. However, a reading of medical journals and textbooks from the era reveals how the change in clinical language reflected legal, technological, professional and social developments. The shift in language is better understood in the context of these historical developments, rather than as the consequence of more empathic medical care for women who experience miscarriage.

Source: Medical Humanities

DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2012-010284

Author: Andrew Moscrop

Language: English

Topic: Historical Studies on Reproduction, Gender, Health, and Societal Changes

Subfield: History

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Institute for Health and Care Research

Award: G3247259565