During a recent BBC broadcast, veteran news presenter Martine Croxall made headlines for deliberately replacing the term “pregnant people” with “women.” While reporting on vulnerable groups at risk from the UK heatwave, Croxall paused mid-sentence, opting to say “women” instead of the gender-neutral phrase prompted by her teleprompter, accompanied by a subtle eye roll.
Croxall, who has been with the BBC for over three decades, explained later that she disagreed with the wording and wanted to speak more directly. Her choice quickly ignited widespread discussion online, receiving both strong support and criticism.
Author J.K. Rowling publicly praised Croxall’s decision, calling her a “new favourite BBC presenter” on social media. On the other hand, some argued that using “pregnant people” is inclusive, respecting non-binary and transgender individuals who may also be pregnant.
The BBC supported Croxall’s editorial choice, emphasizing the broadcaster’s commitment to accuracy and impartiality. They acknowledged ongoing evaluations of style guidelines amid evolving national court rulings about the legal definition of “woman” based on biological sex.
Croxall took to social media to thank followers for their support, admitting she is prepared for any consequences from the incident. Her decision highlights the complex, often emotional debate around language, identity, and inclusivity in modern media.
