The following is from a letter to the editor from the Washington Post. The writer is responding to another letter which criticized the Washington Post for using the term “baby” instead of “fetus” in a story about fetal surgery to correct health problems and unborn babies.
Kerry Haslam of Alexandria says:
I understand his indignation. While I was pregnant, I searched desperately at the store for the section of clothes for women accommodating a parasitic womb inhabitant. Oddly, I found only the “maternity” section.
Other events during my pregnancy were puzzling as well – when the doctor found the heartbeat, I convinced myself that it was simply a mass of tissue beating in a rhythmic fashion.
One night, while I was resting on the couch, a little foot-like impression appeared on my belly, from the inside out. I dismissed that; it simply had to be intestinal.
My friends and I enjoyed cupcakes and tea for my “fetus shower”; what a joyous occasion.
Goodness, all during the pregnancy, I just loved my little ba-, I mean, fetus.
“The correct term is indeed ‘babies’ WP Opinions February 18, 2011 found here.
Share on Facebook