Why the Guardian is changing the language it uses to describe abortion bans
New style guidance encourages editors to avoid medically misleading terms like ‘heartbeat bill’ in reference to restrictive abortion laws sweeping the US
- Make a contribution now and support the Guardian’s independent journalism and coverage of women’s health and reproductive rights in America
The Guardian will no longer use the term “heartbeat bill” in reference to the restrictive abortion bans that are moving through state legislatures in the US.
Editors and reporters are encouraged to use the term “six-week abortion ban” over “fetal heartbeat bill”, unless they are quoting someone.