In a move that has sparked outrage among scientists, public health experts, and civil rights advocates, the Trump administration has ordered the removal of specific terms from federal scientific publications, particularly those produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This directive, part of a broader push to align government language with an executive order recognizing only two sexes—male and female—has raised serious concerns about censorship, public health consequences, and the erasure of marginalized communities from research and policy discussions.
The Full List of Banned Words and Terms
The administration’s directive prohibits the use of the following words and phrases in official CDC documents, research papers, and online resources:
- Gender
- Transgender
- Pregnant person
- Pregnant people
- LGBT
- Transsexual
- Non-binary
- Assigned male at birth
- Assigned female at birth
- Biologically male
- Biologically female
Additionally, reports indicate that references to gender identity and transgender individuals are being systematically removed from CDC websites, databases, and health guidelines.
The Implications for Public Well-Being
The removal of these terms is not just a semantic issue—it has far-reaching consequences for public health and scientific integrity. Here’s how:
1. Data Erasure and Public Health Risks
Many federal research initiatives track health disparities affecting LGBTQ+ populations, including studies on HIV, mental health, and suicide prevention. If key terms like “transgender” or “LGBT” are removed from research, these populations risk becoming invisible in public health data. This could result in fewer resources being allocated to address their health needs, leading to an increase in preventable diseases, untreated mental health conditions, and higher mortality rates.
2. Misinformation and Scientific Censorship
By banning the use of terms that accurately describe medical and social realities, the government is forcing scientists to work with incomplete or misleading language. This undermines the credibility of federally funded research, affects policy decisions based on that research, and discourages academic collaboration with government institutions.
3. Violation of Ethical and Professional Standards
Medical and scientific organizations adhere to internationally recognized standards for accuracy and inclusivity. Removing evidence-based terminology from research publications contradicts the principles of medical ethics and scientific transparency. It also puts the U.S. at odds with global public health agencies that rely on standardized terminology to conduct cross-border research.
4. Potential for Broader Censorship
This move sets a dangerous precedent. If the administration can dictate which words scientists are allowed to use, what’s next? Will climate-related terms like “global warming” or “carbon emissions” be the next to disappear? The suppression of scientific language is a slippery slope that could impact a wide range of policy areas beyond gender and LGBTQ+ issues.
The Fight Against Scientific Censorship
Despite the administration’s efforts to control language, resistance is growing among scientists, civil rights groups, and advocacy organizations. Here are some of the key measures being taken:
1. Pushback from the Scientific Community
Numerous scientific journals and professional organizations have condemned the censorship order. The British Medical Journal called the move “sinister and ludicrous,” while the American Public Health Association (APHA) has issued statements emphasizing the importance of using accurate, inclusive language in research.
2. Legal Challenges
Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, are exploring legal options to challenge the censorship on the grounds that it violates free speech protections and scientific integrity standards. Lawsuits may argue that removing medically relevant terms from federal health resources constitutes government overreach and discrimination.
3. Alternative Publication and Archiving
Some researchers are moving to publish their work independently in journals that are not subject to federal restrictions. Others are working with academic institutions to ensure that the banned terms remain documented and accessible in non-governmental archives.
4. Public Outcry and Advocacy
Grassroots movements and advocacy groups are mobilizing to push back against the administration’s actions. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #ScienceNotCensorship and #LetScienceSpeak have gained traction, urging people to speak out against the erasure of critical public health terminology.
What You Can Do to Help
This censorship effort is a direct attack on scientific integrity and public health. Here’s what you can do to fight back:
1. Contact Your Representatives – Call or write to your senators and members of Congress. Demand that they take action to reverse this censorship and protect the independence of federal health agencies.
2. Support Independent Science and Journalism – Donate to organizations that fund independent research and investigative journalism. Outlets like ProPublica, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the Center for Scientific Integrity rely on public support to hold the government accountable.
3. Share Information and Raise Awareness – Talk about this issue on social media, write opinion pieces, and educate your community. Share this article. The more people know about this censorship, the harder it becomes for the government to suppress public outcry.
4. Attend Protests and Advocacy Events – Join demonstrations, sign petitions, and participate in advocacy efforts led by organizations like the ACLU, Human Rights Campaign, and scientific societies.
5. Encourage Institutions to Defend Science – If you work in academia or research, push your institution to take a stand. Universities and medical associations can play a powerful role in resisting government censorship.
Final Thoughts
The Trump administration’s attempt to erase key terms from scientific discourse is more than just a bureaucratic change—it is an assault on knowledge, public health, and human rights. Censorship of medically relevant terminology doesn’t change reality; it only makes it harder to address pressing health and social issues. Now more than ever, it is essential for scientists, activists, and ordinary citizens to unite in defense of truth, accuracy, and inclusivity.
The fight for scientific freedom is a fight for democracy itself. Let’s not allow political ideology to dictate the language of science. Take action today.
