Quebec’s CHU Forced to Clarify Terminology in Health Publication
The University Hospital Center (CHU) of Quebec-Université Laval was compelled to amend a recent publication to include the term “woman” after initial wording focused on “people with a cervix.” The change came in response to criticism regarding inclusivity and clarity in health communications.
The initial publication, intended to provide information about cervical cancer screening, used the phrase “people with a cervix” to ensure inclusivity of transgender and non-binary individuals. However, some observers argued that the phrasing lacked specificity and could potentially obscure the fact that cervical cancer primarily affects women.
Following the feedback, the CHU revised the publication to explicitly state “women” alongside “people with a cervix,” aiming to strike a balance between inclusivity and clear communication of risk factors. This adjustment highlights the ongoing discussion surrounding inclusive language in healthcare and the importance of ensuring that medical information is accessible and understandable to all.
The incident occurred amid broader efforts in Quebec to bolster security measures at hospitals due to concerns about drugs, weapons, and violence. In January 2026, it was reported that the province had spent over $50 million to enhance security at healthcare facilities, including those within the CHU de Québec network. TVA Nouvelles reported on these increased expenditures.
Separately, the City of Quebec has been seeking authorization from the provincial government to potentially expropriate land from the CHU de Québec-Université Laval to facilitate the construction of a tramway line. According to TVA Nouvelles, this request, made in November 2024, underscores the logistical challenges of implementing large-scale infrastructure projects within existing healthcare complexes.
