The leading Dutch dictionary, Dikke van Dale, will add a new anatomical term “vulvalippen” to its forthcoming online edition, offering an alternative to the long‑used “schaamlippen.” The move follows years of campaigning by groups such as Schaamteloos, which argue that language laden with “shame” can affect how women perceive their bodies and engage with healthcare. “Language shapes how we see ourselves,” says Shari Klein, a co‑founder of the campaign. “It’s crucial people have a more neutral, anatomically correct word – not a word that links to shame, whether consciously or sub‑consciously,” she adds.
Campaigners Push for Neutral Terminology in Healthcare
Activists in the Netherlands are now urging doctors, nurses and public‑health officials to adopt “vulvalippen” in patient leaflets, medical records and consultations. Esther Van der Valk, a member of the feminist collective Dolle Mina, links the terminology shift to broader goals of sex positivity and reducing body‑shaming. “Including the term in the dictionary may be a sign society is finally ready for change,” she observes. The campaign’s next phase involves persuading healthcare providers to use the new word in all written and spoken communication, aiming to make women feel seen rather than judged.
Global Comparisons: Similar Moves in Germany, Sweden, and the UK
The Dutch initiative mirrors efforts elsewhere. In Germany, journalists Gunda Windmüller and Mithu Sanyal launched a 2018 petition to replace “Schamlippen” with “Vulvalippen.” Windmüller was prompted after a gynaecologist described the shame many women carry during examinations. “When writing my article, I realised I couldn’t even mention anatomy without including the word shame,” she notes. Meanwhile, Sweden added “slidkrans” (vaginal corona) to its academic dictionary in 2009, replacing the outdated “mödomshinna” (maidenhood skin). Sonja Ghaderi of the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education says, “With a new word we can challenge the myths that seek to control women’s sexuality and freedom.” Across the Atlantic, feminist podcast host Nicola Denson‑Elliott has petitioned to rename “hysterectomy” as “uterectomy,” arguing the term carries historical links to “hysteria.” The petition describes the current language as “medical misogyny” and insists, “Women deserve terminology that respects them.”
Medical Professionals Reflect on the Impact of Language
Linguistic researcher Dr Beth Malory cautions that any terminological change must be thoroughly researched. “Will people understand uterectomy? Is simply saying removal of the womb better?” she asks. New words cannot be ambiguous, she stresses, and the entire medical lexicon should be examined to avoid confusion. Dr Brooke Vandermolen, an obstetrician, highlights other problematic phrases such as “incompetent cervix” and “failure to progress.” “Why do we need judgmental words like failure or incompetence?” she says. “Language is incredibly important and the words we choose can show recognition and make people feel validated and seen.” The Royal College of Midwives issued guidance in 2022 offering alternative phrases, yet some traditional terms persist and continue to cause distress.
Why it Matters
The introduction of “vulvalippen” into a mainstream dictionary signals more than a linguistic update; it reflects a growing recognition that the words we use in medicine and public discourse shape patients’ self‑image and their willingness to seek care. By moving away from terms that embed shame, healthcare systems can foster environments where women feel respected and understood. This shift also encourages a broader cultural conversation about how language influences gender norms and health outcomes, potentially inspiring further reforms in medical terminology worldwide.
