outdated terms and their inclusive alternatives

Inclusive language helps physicians to provide respectful, patient-centered care in Canada’s diverse communities. It builds trust, reduces stigma, and supports better communication and health outcomes. Below is a list of terms that are no longer recommended (in bold), as well as their more respectful and inclusive alternatives (in italics).‍ ‍

able-bodied – non-disabled person

addict / drug abuser – person who uses drugs / person with a substance use disorder

alcoholic – person who has an addiction to alcohol / person with a substance use disorder

at-risk youth – youth in under-resourced communities / youth affected by systemic barriers

birth defect – congenital disability

child pornography– child sexual abuse material

committed suicide – died by suicide

deprived – underfunded / underserved

father (when not medically relevant) – parent / caregiver

first world country – high income country / Global North

handicapped– person with a disability / disabled person

homeless people – people experiencing homelessness / unhoused people

marginalized group – historically excluded group / equity-deserving group

minorities – underrepresented group / racialized people

mother (when not medically relevant) – parent / caregiver

obese people –people with obesity

preferred pronouns – pronouns

prostitute – sex worker

slum – informal settlement / underresourced neighbourhood

suffers from – person living with [condition]

the elderly – older adults / older people

third world country – low income country / Global South

victim – survivor / person living with [experience or condition]

war-torn– war affected

wheelchair-bound – person who uses a wheelchair / wheelchair user