CNN blasted over 'individuals with a cervix' article

CNN triggered a social media backlash after referring to "individuals with a cervix" in an article about smear tests. 

The article details the latest guidance from the American Cancer Society, which now advises women between the ages of 25 and 65 to take part in cervical cancer screening.

However, instead of referring to women, CNN instead used the term "individuals with a cervix". 

"Individuals with a cervix are now recommended to start cervical cancers screening at 25 and continue through age 65," the article reads. 

Despite the backlash, the news outlet has not revised the article. 

Times columnist David Aaronovitch was among those criticising the word choice on Twitter. 

"My wife and daughters refer to such people as women. As a person with a prostate I tend to agree," he wrote. 

Lyndsey Fifield, co-host of the LadyBrains podcast, said: "Stop erasing women and pretending it's progressive." 

Terminology has become an area of contention in the debate around transgenderism. 

JK Rowling has faced an ongoing backlash after criticising an article that replaced the word 'woman' with "people who menstruate". 

In response, the Harry Potter author tweeted: "I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"

Despite fierce criticism, Rowling has continued to voice her concerns about free speech, single-sex spaces and some of the medical treatment being offered to young people suffering from gender dysphoria. 

News
CoE sees surge in interest this Christmas amid reports of a 'quiet revival'
CoE sees surge in interest this Christmas amid reports of a 'quiet revival'

The Church of England has said that it is experiencing a surge in interest and that it has registered a record number of services this Christmas.

Nicaragua bans international visitors from bringing in Bibles
Nicaragua bans international visitors from bringing in Bibles

Nicaragua has gone up the league table of anti-Christian persecutors.

The little-known prayers written by Jane Austen
The little-known prayers written by Jane Austen

It is now 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen whose books and their many screen adaptations are beloved around the world. Not many people know that she was a devout Christian who also wrote devotional prayers. This is the story …

The Anglican worldview of Jane Austen’s life and novels
The Anglican worldview of Jane Austen’s life and novels

16 December 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of novelist Jane Austen, who was born in southern England in 1775. Her novels are steeped in biblical analogy and practical theology. This is the story…