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There should be different words for giving birth than the…

“There should be different words for giving birth than the ones we have. 'Giving' should at least be 'undertaking' or 'undergoing'. I remember in church how the priest said, 'Mary bore Jesus', and I always thought of it as 'bored'. But now that I know what 'bore' means, and now that I've seen what…” quote by Frances Greenslade
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““There should be different words for giving birth than the ones we have. 'Giving' should at least be 'undertaking' or 'undergoing'. I remember in church how the priest said, 'Mary bore Jesus', and I always thought of it as 'bored'. But now that I know what 'bore' means, and now that I've seen what Jenny went through, it's a much better word than the passive 'the baby was born', like it's as easy as growing fingernails””

Frances Greenslade

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

An argument that current terminology for childbirth is passive; proposes more active, empowering language.

In simple terms: Birth should be described as an active undertaking.

Key Takeaway

Use active verbs to describe childbirth.

Themes

language gender empowerment

Mood

thoughtful empowering

Type

social psychological

When to use this quote

  • medical communication
  • parenting workshops
  • literature
  • media

Key Concepts

semantic framing social narratives

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape perception of childbirth?
  • What words better capture the experience?
A Different Perspective

Changing language alone may not shift deeper attitudes.

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