outdated terms and their inclusive alternatives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, 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

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

birth defect – congenital disability

committed suicide – died by suicide 

first world country – high income country / Global North

homeless people – people experiencing homelessness / unhoused

marginalized group – historically excluded group / equity-deserving group

minorities – underrepresented group / racialized people

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]

vulnerable populations – populations made vulnerable by systemic inequities

wheelchair-bound – person who uses a wheelchair