Planned Parenthood Action Glossary

A

Ableism

Discrimination and prejudice against people living with mental, physical, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities. Ableism can include negative actions, beliefs, and judgements against a person with a disability in social and professional settings. Ableism can also include creating structures and institutions that favor able-bodied people.

Abortifacient

A drug, herb, or device that can cause an abortion (end a pregnancy).

Abortion

Ending a pregnancy.

Abortion funds

Groups and organizations that help people pay for an abortion they couldn't otherwise afford. Abortion funds may also offer help with transportation, lodging, childcare, and other resources people need to get a safe, legal abortion.

Abortion pill

Describes the process of medication abortion, which includes the use of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to safely end a pregnancy.

Abstinence

Not having sex with anyone. You can be abstinent if you’ve had sex before, are in a relationship, or have never had sex.

Abstinence-only programs

A form of “sex education” that teaches abstinence (not having sex) as the only morally correct option for unmarried people. They don’t include information about protection from STDs or pregnancy. See "abstinence-only-until-marriage programs."

Ace

Short for "asexual."

Acquaintance rape

Sexual assault by someone the victim knows.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

The most advanced stage of HIV.

Affordable Care Act (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act)

Law signed by President Barack Obama in 2010 that set in motion sweeping changes to the U.S. health care system, including the requirement that most private health insurance plans cover people with pre-existing conditions, preventive care including birth control with no out of pocket costs, and a requirement that young people can stay on their parent or guardian’s insurance until they are 26 years old. The law is frequently called ACA, for short, or Obamacare.

Age of consent

The age at which state law considers a person old enough to decide to have sex with someone.

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)

The most advanced stage of HIV.

Ally

Someone who’s on the same side as you. Often used to describe someone who takes a stand against oppression or discrimination who is not a member of the oppressed group — for example, a white person who speaks out against racism or a straight person who speaks out against homophobia.

Anal fissure

A tiny cut in the skin on your anus (butthole). Anal fissures can cause sharp pain while pooping or during anal sex. Also called rectal fissure, anorectal fissure, and anal ulcer.

Anti-choice

Opposed to the belief that people have the right to make their own choices about whether and when to have a child.

Aspiration abortion

A procedure that ends pregnancy by emptying the uterus with the gentle suction of a manual syringe or with machine-operated suction. Also called “in-clinic abortion.”

Assigned female at birth / AFAB

Often shortened to “AFAB,” someone whose assigned sex at birth was “female.”

Assigned male at birth / AMAB

Often shortened to “AMAB,” someone whose assigned sex at birth was “male.”

B

Barrier methods of birth control

Birth control that blocks sperm from passing through the cervix (the barrier between the vagina and uterus). These include the condom, female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicide, and sponge.

Bi erasure / invisibility

The tendency to ignore the existence or legitimacy of bisexuality.

Binarism

Attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and policies that marginalize or harm nonbinary, intersex, and gender noncomforming people. Binarism is based on the sex/gender binary, which says that there are only two genders: man and woman.

Binder

A garment designed to compress chest tissue to create the appearance of a flatter chest. Often used by transgender and nonbinary people to manage gender dysphoria related to their chest.

Birth center

A special health facility for people giving birth and their families.

Birth control

Any behavior, device, medicine, or procedure used to prevent pregnancy. Also known as contraception.

Bisexual

Being sexually attracted to two or more genders.

Body autonomy

Your ability to decide what happens to your body without outside influence or control. This can include being able to make decisions about your physical self and deciding what “healthy” looks like for you, free of influence from stereotypes, opinions, or rules of others.

Body diversity

The range of ways bodies can look, inclusive of size and ability.

C

Censorship

When something is forbidden because it’s thought to be offensive or dangerous.

Cervical dilator

A device used to gently open the cervix before a gynecologic procedure, such as some abortions.

Chestfeeding

Feeding a baby with human milk from the chest. A gender-inclusive alternative to “breastfeeding,” often used by trans men and nonbinary people.

Child pornography

Images of people under the age of 18 designed to be sexually arousing. Making, distributing, or consuming child pornography are serious crimes and are harmful, traumatizing, and can create life-long damage to children.

Chosen family

A group of people who chose to nurture and support each other intimately. May be related by blood or marriage in some way, but typically not.

Chosen name

The name a person uses for themselves. Often describes the name a trans or nonbinary person uses that is different from a their birth or given name. Using someone’s chosen name is an important sign of respect.

Cisnormativity

A system of beliefs, attitudes, and structures that assumes everyone is cisgender (not transgender) until “proven” otherwise. By assuming that being cisgender is the “norm,” it disregards people who aren’t cisgender or gender conforming. It also advantages cisgender people while marginalizing those who aren’t.

Cissexism

A system of beliefs, attitudes, and structures that claim that being cisgender is better, more natural, more normal, and more common than other gender modalities. Cissexism erases and shames transgender and nonbinary people.

Closet

“Being in the closet,” or “being closeted,” means not sharing or not being able to share your LGBTQ+ identity with yourself or others.

Coercion

Forcing someone to do something they don’t want to do, often with threats or emotional manipulation.

Coming out

The process of opening up about a part of yourself that’s stigmatized, such as a marginalized identity or experience. Short for “coming out of the closet.”

Complete miscarriage

A miscarriage (when a pregnancy ends on its own) in which all the pregnancy tissue is passed without medical treatment.

Comprehensive sex education

Programs that include information and skill-building around sexuality, birth control, STD prevention, abstinence, healthy relationships and consent, sexual orientation/gender identity, etc. Comprehensive sex education is sex-positive, inclusive, medically accurate, trauma-informed, evidence-informed, and developmentally appropriate.

Comstock Act

An 1873 law that made it a federal crime to use the U.S. mail to distribute anything considered “obscene, lewd, lascivious, indecently filthy, or vile,” including information about abortion, contraception, and sexual health. Many state “Comstock laws” were also passed around the turn of the 20th century.

Con-dam / ConDam

An over-the-counter barrier method in which a latex or nitrile glove is strategically cut so that it can be used as both a dam and a small condom in order to protect against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

Conception

The beginning of pregnancy. The moment when the pre-embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus and pregnancy begins.

Condom / external condom

External condoms, or just “condoms,” are thin, stretchy pouches worn on a penis or dildo during sex. Mostly made from latex or plastics (like polyurethane and polyisoprene). Sometimes made from lambskin.

Consent

Consent is an agreement to participate in a sexual activity (including kissing, oral sex, genital touching, vaginal or anal penetration, and anything else). Before being sexual with someone, you need to know if they want to be sexual with you, too. Both people must agree — every single time — for it to be consensual. Without consent, any sexual activity is sexual assault or rape.

Contraception/contraceptive

Any behavior, device, medication, or procedure used to prevent pregnancy. Also known as birth control.

Copay

A set amount of money agreed upon by a patient and an insurance company that the patient must pay out of pocket for medical services and prescriptions.

Cyberstalking

To track and follow someone’s online presence and communications in a threatening way.

D

D & c (dilation and curettage)

The use of a curette — a metal medical instrument with a narrow loop — to gently scrape away the uterine lining, and the use of suction to remove tissue from the uterus. Can be used for abortion care or for treatment of a miscarriage.

D & e (dilation and evacuation)

The use of suction and medical tools to remove tissue from the uterus during an abortion.

Date rape

Forced sexual contact from someone you know or are dating. Also sometimes called “acquaintance rape.”

Deductible

A set amount of money that a person with insurance is required to pay for health care before their health insurance will start covering any costs.

Dilation and curettage (d & c)

The use of a curette — a metal medical instrument with a narrow loop — to gently scrape away the uterine lining, and the use of suction to remove tissue from the uterus. Can be used for abortion care or for treatment of a miscarriage.

Dilation and evacuation (d & e)

The use of medical instruments and suction to gently remove tissue from the uterus during an abortion.

Doe v. Bolton

The U.S. Supreme Court decision, issued on the same day as Roe v. Wade, that struck down restrictions on facilities that can be used for abortion services, which allowed abortions to be performed in clinics as well as hospitals. It was overturned along with Roe v. Wade in June 2022.

Domestic partnership

A committed, long-term relationship of two unmarried people who live together.

Double standard

Unequal expectations, moral standards, or rules that grant one group privileges over another group. A sexist double standard, for example, usually places more restrictions on women than on men.

Doula

A person who gives emotional support during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth and for some time after.

E

Ectopic pregnancy

A life-threatening pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. See “tubal pregnancy.”

Egg

The reproductive cell stored in the ovaries and released during ovulation. Pregnancy happens when sperm enters an egg, grows into a ball of cells, and implants into the uterus.

Eisenstadt v. Baird

The 1972 U.S. Supreme Court decision that made it legal for unmarried people to use birth control.

Embryo

The organism that develops from a pre-embryo during the second month of pregnancy. This stage of the pregnancy lasts about 5 weeks. Embryos then develop into fetuses.

Emergency contraception

A safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected penis-in-vagina sex. Emergency contraception pills made from hormones and certain IUDs are types of emergency contraception.

Endosex

A term referring to people whose genitals, chromosomes, and hormones are aligned with rigid ideas about male and female bodies. Endosex people are not intersex.

Endosexism

A system of beliefs, attitudes, and structures that claim that being endosex is better, more natural, more normal, and more common than being intersex. Endosexism erases and stigmatizes intersex people.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution which has never been adopted. It was originally pushed forward by the National Women’s Party in 1923, which would have guaranteed that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” The ERA’s long history ended in 1979 when it failed to be ratified by three-quarters of the states.

Equality

When all people have the same rights, regardless of their situation. This may mean that some people can more easily access rights than others based on their identity, income, or geography.

Equity

When people and communities have access to the resources and opportunities they need in the way they need them. This means taking into account unfair challenges that may prevent them from accessing those resources.

ERA (equal rights amendment)

A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution which has never been adopted. It was originally pushed forward by the National Women’s Party in 1923, which would have guaranteed that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” The ERA’s long history ended in 1979 when it failed to be ratified by three-quarters of the states.

Erect anatomy

A gender-inclusive term for genital tissue that becomes hard during arousal, like a clitoris or penis.

Escort

Someone who takes someone somewhere. At reproductive health centers, escorts are volunteers who help people get safely inside during anti-choice demonstrations. Escort can also sometimes mean sex worker.

Estradiol

A form of estrogen commonly taken for gender affirming hormone treatment or hormone replacement.

Ethnicity

Belonging to a group that shares a common culture, religion, or language.

Eugenics

A racist, classist, and ableist movement to control who should and shouldn’t have children.

F

Family planning

Making plans and taking actions, like using birth control, to have the number of children you want, when you want them.

Federal abortion ban

The federal law passed in 2003 and upheld in 2007 that bans certain kinds of abortion procedures as early as 12 to 15 weeks in pregnancy. The federal ban includes no exception for the patient’s health and forces doctors to stop using procedures they believe are safest and best for their patients.

Female circumcision

The practice of removing part or all of the clitoral hood, clitoris, or vulva as part of a cultural or religious ritual. In some cases, the vulva is sewn together to preserve virginity. See “female genital mutilation.”

Female genital mutilation (fgm)

The practice of removing part or all of the clitoral hood, clitoris, or vulva as part of a cultural or religious ritual. In some cases, the vulva is sewn together to preserve virginity. See “female circumcision.”

Feminism

The belief that people of all genders should have equitable economic, political, sexual, and social rights.

Fertilization

The joining of an egg and sperm.

Fetishize / fetishization

Making someone an object of sexual desire based on some aspect of their identity or appearance, often based on a stereotype. Fetishization can be damaging because it reduces a whole person (or group of people) down to a single identity or feature.

Fetus

Develops from the embryo at 10 weeks of pregnancy and receives nourishment through the placenta.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Made by the pituitary gland, this hormone stimulates the growth of an egg/the development of sperm.

Front hole

A word that many trans men and nonbinary people use to describe their anatomy instead of “vagina.”

G

Gaff

A garment designed to compress or otherwise hold in place a person’s penis and testicles in order to create the appearance of a flatter groin. Often used in combination with tucking (see “tucking”).

Gaslighting

A form of emotional abuse in which a person tries to confuse someone into not believing their own memories, thoughts, or feelings.

Gay

1. A sexual orientation that includes people who are only attracted to people of the same gender (such as a man who is attracted only to other men). 2. A broader umbrella identity held by many LGBTQ+ people as a way to describe being part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Gay bashing

Physical or verbal violence against people who are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

Gay liberation movement

The national call to establish civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender women and men from the late 1960s to the mid 1980s.

Gender

A set of expectations about behaviors and characteristics based on sex or gender identity. Every culture has standards about how people should behave based on their sex and/or gender identity.

Gender assignment

May be used to highlight the ways that gender stereotypes and gendered expectations are usually attached to the sex someone was assigned at birth.

Gender binary / sex binary

The idea that there are only 2 rigid categories of gender (man and woman) or sex (male and female) that are mutually exclusive of and different from each other.

Gender conforming

When a person’s gender expression is aligned with what society expects of them.

Gender euphoria

Feelings of joy, comfort, relief, delight, excitement, or wellbeing that people experience in relationship to their gender identity. A term often used by transgender and nonbinary people.

Gender expression

How a person chooses to show their gender on the outside using clothes, hairstyles, or other markers. Gender identity and gender expression may or may not line up in ways that society expects. A person of any gender might have any gender expression. People present their gender differently in different situations and over time.

Gender history

Information about a trans or nonbinary person’s gender or gendered life prior to transition.

Gender identity

A person’s inner experience of their gender. Some gender identities include genderqueer, man, woman, nonbinary, and many more. Your feelings about your gender identity may begin as early as age 2.

Gender journey

Your experience of your gender over time. Often used by trans and nonbinary people to describe their experiences in addition to or instead of “transition.”

Gender marker / sex marker

The legal designation of sex/gender on various records, such as your birth certificate, school records, or health insurance.

Gender modality

The relationship between your gender identity and the sex you were assigned at birth. Common gender modalities are “cisgender” (if your gender identity and assigned sex correspond) and “transgender” (if they don’t correspond).

Gender nonconforming

When a person’s gender expression is different from what society expects of them.

Gender norms

The often-unspoken social rules that dictate how men and women should think, behave, and move through the world.

Gender pronouns

Words someone can use for you in place of your name. Often called “personal pronouns,” these words typically include gendered information. Some gender pronouns are gender inclusive or an alternative to the gender binary (such as "them" and "ze"). Other gender pronouns align with the gender binary (such as "she" and "he"). See “pronouns” and “neopronouns.”

Gender-affirming hormone therapy

1. Hormones (like estrogen or testosterone) or hormone blockers used in gender affirming care to support the development of secondary sex characteristics that reduce gender dysphoria. 2. Some intersex people may also choose to access gender affirming hormone treatment to support healthy hormonal function and reduce gender dysphoria.

Genital mutilation

Non-consensual and medically unnecessary changes to a person’s genitals, often as infants or youth. See “female genital mutilation” and “intersex genital mutilation.”

Gestational duration (AKA gestational age)

The length of a pregnancy. Measured from the first day of the last menstrual period.

Girldick / girl dick

A word that many trans women and nonbinary people use to describe their anatomy instead of “penis.”

Gynophobia

Fear of women.

H

Health care provider

A licensed doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, or physician assistant.

Health coverage (health insurance)

A plan or program that covers some or all medical expenses for each member. The plan or program could be provided by an employer, government-sponsored, or purchased by an individual.

Health insurance

A plan or program that helps pay for the medical expenses of their members, like medicine, doctor visits, and surgery.

Heteronormativity

A system of beliefs, attitudes, and structures that assume everyone is heterosexual (straight) until “proven” otherwise. Heteronormativity ignores the prevalence and validity of people and relationships that aren’t heterosexual.

Heterosexual

Being attracted only to people of another gender. Most often refers to men who are exclusively attracted to women and women who are exclusively attracted to men.

High-risk pregnancy

A pregnancy that is more likely to have complications for the pregnant person or their fetus.

HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)

A federal law that led to the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

A chronic virus that breaks down the immune system. Can lead to AIDS if not treated.

Homophobia

Fear or hatred of people who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

Homosexual

Being attracted only to people of the same gender. Most people who are attracted exclusively to people of their own gender often prefer other identity terms, such as “gay” or “lesbian.” Don’t describe someone as homosexual unless they describe themself that way.

Hormonal contraceptives

Birth control methods that use hormones to prevent pregnancy. These include the implant, the hormonal IUD, the pill, the patch, the ring, and the shot.

Hormone therapy

1. In gender affirming care, hormones (like estrogen or testosterone) or hormone blockers may be prescribed to support the development of secondary sex characteristics that reduce gender dysphoria. 2. In menopause, estrogen and sometimes progestin can relieve symptoms such as hot flashes. 3. For intersex people, hormones may be prescribed — with consent or by coercion — to support hormonal function or force the development of secondary sex characteristics.

Hyde Amendment

A law that was passed in 1976, first sponsored by Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL), that forbids the use of federal funds to pay for abortion services.

I

In-clinic abortion

A safe and effective procedure done in a health center, doctor’s office, or hospital that ends a pregnancy. In-clinic abortion works by using suction to take a pregnancy out of your uterus. Also called surgical abortion.

In-network

Describes a health care provider (like a doctor or nurse) or service (like an x-ray) that’s covered by your insurance plan so people insured under the plan pay a discounted rate.

Incest

Sexual activity between members of the same family.

Inclusive language

Language written in a way that includes all sexes, genders, and gender identities. Planned Parenthood works to provide sexual health information and services to people of all identities.

Individual racism

When a person has racist beliefs and attitudes. Individual racism can happen at both a conscious and unconscious level, and can be both active and passive. Examples include telling a racist joke, thinking a racial stereotype, or believing that white people are better than non-white people.

Institutional racism

Discrimination against people of color that exists within education, health care, criminal justice, businesses, and other public and private institutions.

Intersex genital mutilation (IGM)

Non-consensual and medically unnecessary genital surgeries conducted on intersex infants and youth to force their bodies to fit into the sex binary. IGM often causes lifelong pain and other problems.

Intimate partner violence (IPV)

A pattern of emotional, verbal, physical, or sexual abuse in the context of an intimate relationship. Also called "domestic violence," "partner abuse," "relationship abuse," and "dating violence."

Intrauterine device (IUD)

A tiny device that’s placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It’s safe, long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods available. One IUD, the Paragard, uses copper to prevent pregnancy. Others use hormones to prevent pregnancy.

IPV (intimate partner violence)

A pattern of emotional, verbal, physical, or sexual abuse in the context of an intimate relationship. Also called "domestic violence," "partner abuse," "relationship abuse," and "dating violence."

IUD (intrauterine device)

A tiny device that’s placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It’s safe, long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods available. One IUD, the Paragard, uses copper to prevent pregnancy. Others use hormones to prevent pregnancy.

L

Legal disclaimer

By referring you to this website, Planned Parenthood is not providing, or intending to provide, any legal or medical advice.

Lesbian

A woman who’s sexually or romantically attracted to other women. Some nonbinary people also identify as lesbians.

LGBTQ+

A common acronym used to describe people who have non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender identities. Stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and/or questioning. The “+” is intended to include people with additional identities, such as asexual, intersex, nonbinary, and more.

M

Male

A binary sex status generally associated with a number of physical/physiological characteristics, such as a penis and XY chromosomes. As a legal marker, a binary sex (male or female) is typically assigned at birth.

Mammary glands

Mammary glands are organs inside your breast/chest that can make breast milk, if you’ve recently given birth or had a miscarriage later in pregnancy. All people have mammary glands, but not everyone who has mammary glands makes breast milk.

Mammogram

A breast/chest cancer screening that takes x-rays of the breasts/chest tissue to find lumps that are too small to be felt during a clinical breast/chest exam. Most people with breasts should get mammograms every 1-2 years starting at age 40.

Margaret Sanger (1883-1966)

Margaret Sanger founded the American birth control movement and, later, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Sanger also believed in eugenics — an inherently racist and ableist ideology that labeled certain people unfit to have children. Planned Parenthood denounces Margaret Sanger’s belief in eugenics.

Maternal mortality

The death of a person during their pregnancy, while giving birth, or up until one year after the pregnancy ended (postpartum).

Medication abortion / medical abortion

The use of a combination of drugs to end a pregnancy. Also called the “abortion pill.”

Method effectiveness

How well a particular type of birth control prevents pregnancy.

Metoidioplasty

A gender affirming procedure that creates a penis by cutting ligaments around the clitoris to lengthen the shaft. May or may not include urethral lengthening to facilitate the ability to urinate standing up.

Mifepristone

One of two drugs (the other is misoprostol) used for a medication abortion. Commonly known as “the abortion pill.” The brand name in the U.S is Mifeprex.

Misogynoir

A term, coined by queer Black feminist Moya Bailey, to specify a type of misogyny directed toward and experienced by Black women (and femmes), where both race and gender influence bias.

Misogyny

Dislike, contempt for, or hatred of women.

Misoprostol

A medication that can be used to complete a medication abortion that’s been induced with mifepristone. This process is commonly known as the abortion pill. Although less effective than mifepristone, misoprostol is used alone for abortion in some countries.

Morning-after pill

Emergency contraception that can be used within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected vaginal sex to lower the chance of pregnancy. You can get the morning-after pill at your local drugstore or pharmacy.

Muffing

Using fingers to penetrate the inguinal canals (where the testes descend from) of a sex partner. A term most often used by trans women.

Multigender

Identifying with multiple genders, either at the same moment or over time. May include identities like genderfluid, bigender, and pangender.

N

Neopronouns

A category of pronouns other than “she,” “he,” and “they.” Examples include “ze,” “xe,” “ey,” and “ve.” Some are new, and others have existed for decades. See “pronouns” and “gender pronouns.”

Nonbinary

Describes someone’s gender as being outside of the boy/man or girl/woman gender binary.

Nurse practitioner

A registered nurse who has been trained to provide primary health care, including many services also performed by doctors.

O

Obamacare

A nickname for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a law signed by President Barack Obama in 2010 that set in motion sweeping changes to the U.S. health care system, including the requirement that private health insurance companies cover people with pre-existing conditions, copay-free preventive care including birth control, and a requirement that young people can stay on their parent or guardian’s insurance until they’re 26 years old. The law is frequently called ACA, for short.

Oocyte

A not fully developed egg cell.

Open enrollment

A period of time each year when people can enroll in certain health care plans. Each year, consumers can select plans offered by their employer or buy insurance on the health insurance marketplaces (either the federal marketplace, Healthcare.gov, or the state-based marketplaces).

Oppression

Systemic and systematic mistreatment of people who share a marginalized identity while benefiting a dominant group. Oppression may entail exclusion, disadvantages, or disapproval for the group impacted. Examples include racism, transmisia, ableism, xenomisia, and many more.

Oral contraceptive

Another name for the birth control pill.

Out-of-network

Describes a health care provider (like a doctor or nurse) or service that’s not covered by your insurance plan. You may still be able to visit the provider or access the services, but it will cost more than an in-network provider.

Over-the-counter

Available without a prescription from a nurse or doctor.

P

Pack-and-play / pack and play

An object that’s used to create the appearance of a bulge at the groin that can also be used for sexual penetration. Often used with a harness or other garment that allows for hands-free use. A type of packer.

Packing

Putting an object — repurposed or designed for this use — under your clothes in order to create the appearance of a bulge at the groin.

Pangender

Identifying with all genders.

Pap smear

A term commonly used to describe a Pap test, which looks for abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous growths on the cervix.

Pap test

A test to look for abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous growths on the cervix. Sometimes called a Pap smear.

Parental consent

A requirement that 1 or both parents give permission for a minor (someone under the age of 18) to do something. Many states have mandatory parental consent laws regarding abortion services for minors. Most states don’t require parental consent for services like birth control or STD testing.

Passing privilege

The advantages of safety and reduced chance of discrimination that may be experienced by trans and nonbinary people who are perceived by others as cisgender.

Patriarchy

A system in which men hold the power and can control everyone else; often results in oppressing women and anyone who's not a cisgender man.

Penectomy

The surgical removal of the penis to treat penile cancer or as part of gender affirming surgery.

Pill, the

Short for the birth control pill.

Plan B

A brand of emergency contraception pill made from levonorgestrel, the same kind of hormone found in birth control pills. Available over the counter to anyone of any age or gender in the US.

Pornography (porn)

Video, photos, or words that are meant to be sexually exciting or entertaining for adults.

Pregnancy

When someone is carrying a developing fetus in their uterus. It begins with the implantation of the pre-embryo and progresses through the embryonic and fetal stages until birth, unless it’s ended by miscarriage or abortion. It lasts about 40 weeks from implantation to birth.

Premium (health insurance premium)

The amount of money an individual pays each month for health insurance.

Pro-choice

Supporting the right to a safe, legal abortion.

Q

Queer

A label and umbrella term that refers to a variety of sexual/romantic orientations, gender identities, and gender modalities that are anything other than heterosexual and cisgender. In the past, “queer” was used as a slur, and may still be offensive to some. However, many people use the word with pride to describe themselves and their communities.

Questioning

Having questions about or actively exploring your sexual/romantic orientation or gender identity.

Quickening

The moment during pregnancy when a pregnant person first notices the fetus moving in their uterus.

R

Race

A group of people descended from common ancestors with a shared culture, religion, or language. Races have been created and labeled by people, rather than being biological. Race is used to create advantage and disadvantage across different groups of people.

Rape

Sexual intercourse without consent.

Right-to-life

An expression that people who oppose safe and legal abortion use to describe their position.

Roe v. Wade

The 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide, and which was overturned in June 2022.

Romantic

People who identify as aromantic may have low/no interest in romantic relationships, or may not be romantically attracted to others. Some aromantic people experience sexual attraction, and others don’t.

Romantic orientation

Identities that describe what gender(s) a person is romantically attracted to. People may have a romantic orientation that’s different than their sexual orientation. Some common romantic orientations include heteroromantic, biromantic, and gay.

RU-486

The laboratory research code number that was used during clinical trials for a medication to cause abortion. (Outdated and inaccurate. Correct term is mifepristone.)

S

Safer sex

Ways in which people reduce the risk of unwanted outcomes of sex, such as unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. A more precise term than “safe sex,” because no sex act is completely “safe” from risks.

Sex

1. A legal and social designation, typically assigned at birth, of female, male, or sometimes intersex. 2. A description of the physical/physiological traits that make up a person’s primary and secondary sex characteristics. Typically categorized into male and female, though many intersex variations also exist. 3. The act of vaginal, anal, or manual (using hands) intercourse, or oral-genital stimulation with a partner.

Sex assignment

The designation of biological sex — female, male, or intersex — usually made by a doctor at the birth of a child. The sex that appears on a person’s birth certificate.

Sex education

Programs that include information and skill-building around sexuality, birth control, STD prevention, abstinence, healthy relationships and consent, sexual orientation/gender identity, etc. Comprehensive sex education is sex-positive, inclusive, medically accurate, trauma-informed, evidence-informed, and developmentally appropriate.

Sex positive

Embracing sex, sexuality, and sexual expression as a natural, positive part of life that can be defined, embodied, and explored without shame or judgement

Sex selection

The attempt to control the biological sex of your future children.

Sex work

A job where sexual activities — particularly services that produce a sexual response — are exchanged for money or something else of value.

Sex-negative

Believing that sex and sexuality are bad or dangerous.

Sexism

Systemic and individual discrimination against women.

Sexual abuse

Sexual activity that’s harmful, exploitative, or not consensual.

Sexual assault

The use of force or coercion, physical or psychological, to make a person engage in sexual activity.

Sexual harassment

Unwanted sexual advances from someone. Includes suggestive gestures, language, or touching.

Sexual health

Enjoying emotional, physical, and social well-being in regard to your sexuality.

Sexual identity

Your understanding of your own sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual expression/preferences.

Sexual minority

An individual or group whose gender identity, sexual behavior, sexual orientation, or sexual preference is thought to be outside socially accepted norms. Generally any group/identity that is outside of heterosexual, cisgender, or monogamous.

Sexual norms

Social standards based on a society’s attitudes, customs, and expectations regarding sex and sexuality. In other words, things that are considered sexually “normal.”

Sexual orientation

Identities that describe what gender(s) a person is romantically and/or sexually attracted to. There are many sexual orientations. Some common sexual orientations include gay, lesbian, straight, and bisexual.

Sexual preference

People, activities, or other things that you like, sexually.

Sexual revolution

Used to describe 2 different historic shifts in the sexual attitudes and norms of people in the U.S. The first American sexual revolution occurred in the aftermath of World War I — “the roaring '20s.” It was characterized by younger women — “flappers” — openly insisting on the right to have sex before marriage. The second American sexual revolution occurred during the 1960s and '70s. It was accompanied by the women’s & gay liberation movements, which were entwined with the civil rights movement.

Sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Infections that are passed from one person to another during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or sexual skin-to-skin contact. More accurately called sexually transmitted infection.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Infections that are passed from one person to another during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or sexual skin-to-skin contact. Commonly known as sexually transmitted disease.

Slut

An insulting term for a woman who has “too many” sex partners, though different people have different ideas about what is considered too many. Some people have reclaimed the term “slut” and use it to describe themselves as people who are proud of their sexual freedom.

Slut shame

When someone criticizes others for expressing themselves sexually. Slut shaming arises from the belief that sexual expression is “inappropriate.”

Social construct

A belief that people in society agree on and follow. Gender is a construct because people agree to identify and treat each other as different genders. Money is a construct because people agree it has value and use it to buy things.

Spontaneous abortion

Miscarriage, pregnancy loss.

Stalking

Following or tracking someone in person or online without their consent.

Statutory rape

Legally, sexual contact between an adult and anyone who is below the age of consent, whether or not the contact is voluntary.

Stealth

When a transgender person chooses not to share their gender modality, transgender experience, or gender history. Typically only available to people with passing privilege and a binary gender.

Stereotype

A widely accepted judgment or bias regarding a person or group.

Sterility

Infertility — the inability to become pregnant or to cause a pregnancy.

Stigma

Severe disapproval/judgment for a behavior that’s reinforced by society/culture.

Strapless

A word that many trans women and nonbinary people use to describe their anatomy instead of “penis.”

Structural racism

When a society normalizes white leadership, dominance, and privilege to uphold white supremacy, while devaluing and othering people of color.

Stud

A Black masculine or butch lesbian. Not all Black masculine lesbians identify as studs.

Stuffing

The use of an object or material — repurposed or designed for this use — to create the appearance of a fuller or curvier chest.

Systemic racism

Racism against people of color that is built into education, health care, criminal justice, and other institutions. Racist policies and practices create advantages for white people and oppression and disadvantages for people who are classified as non-white. Policies and practices don’t have to directly mention race in order for them to treat people differently based on race.

T

Taboo

A behavior that’s outside the cultural norms. Something society or culture says you shouldn’t do or talk about.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

A federal law that led to the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.

Therapeutic abortion

Ending a pregnancy because of a fetal abnormality or to protect the pregnant person’s physical or mental health or life.

Trans

Short for transgender. A gender modality that describes when a person’s gender identity is different from the one associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a woman who was assigned male at birth. Transgender people can have any gender identity, like “woman,” “genderqueer,” “man,” “agender,” and more.

Trans mentor

A trans and/or nonbinary person — often someone older or someone who has been out longer — who provides support or advice to another trans and/or nonbinary person.

Transfeminine

Nonbinary people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) and have a feminine gender identity and/or feminine gender expression. Some trans women may use this term, but not all AMAB nonbinary people use this term.

Transgender

A gender modality that describes when a person’s gender identity is different from the one associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a woman who was assigned male at birth. Transgender people can have any gender identity, like “woman,” “genderqueer,” “man,” “agender,” and more.

Transmasculine

Nonbinary people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and have a masculine gender identity and/or masculine gender expression. Some trans men may use this term, but not all AFAB nonbinary people use this term.

Transphobia / transmisia

Attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and policies that marginalize transgender people and others who are perceived to be transgender. Transmisia includes prejudices and negative stereotypes about transgender people, as well as discrimination and violence.

Tucking

Tucking away the testicles and penis — usually with the help of a gaff or tight underwear — in order to create the appearance of a smooth, bulge-less groin.

Two-spirit / two spirit / 2S

A term developed and used by many Indigenous/First Nations/Native American people to broadly describe Indigenous ways of being outside of the sex/gender binary and heteronormativity. Two spirit people may identify exclusively as two spirit, or they may describe their identities in multiple ways: for example, as a two-spirit gay transgender man.

U

Ultrasound

A medical test that creates an image of internal organs by bouncing sound waves off the internal organs. Frequently used to find or monitor a pregnancy, but has a variety of medical uses.

V

Vacuum aspiration abortion

A surgical procedure in which a pregnancy is removed from the uterus with a gentle suction device.

Vaginal dilator

Smooth tube-shaped device, usually made of plastic, that comes in a range of sizes. Vaginal dilators are used to treat some symptoms of menopause, certain types of sexual dysfunction, or other medical conditions. During dilator therapy, you put a dilator in your vagina to help stretch and shape your vaginal canal. Vaginal dilators can also help your vagina maintain shape and function during cancer treatments, or after certain medical procedures like gender-affirming surgery.

Vaginectomy

A procedure that removes the vagina to treat vaginal cancer or as part of gender affirming surgery (often, along with a hysterectomy).

Venereal disease (AKA VD)

An outdated term for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some people and cultures may still use it, but most people in the U.S. use STIs or STDs.

Viability

The ability of a fetus to survive outside the uterus.

Victim-blaming

Wrongly saying that someone who was hurt (the victim) is partly or completely responsible for what happened to them, such as saying a sexual assault survivor is at fault for the crime instead of their perpetrator.

W

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

A federal nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) that provides food, health care, and nutrition education to low-income families.