Fertility

/fərˈtɪləti/ noun

Definition

the ability to produce offspring or grow abundantly

Etymology

from Latin fertilitas, from fertilis meaning fruitful

Kelly Says

Fertility is nature's way of saying 'let's make more life happen!'

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Reproductive capacity reduced women's identity and economic value; infertility was weaponized as grounds for abandonment, forced treatment, and social shame. Male fertility centered on virility and power.

Inclusive Usage

Use in clinical/biological contexts neutrally. When discussing reproductive health, center individual autonomy: 'reproductive choices,' 'fertility options' rather than fertility as defining characteristic or obligation.

Inclusive Alternatives

["reproductive health","reproductive autonomy","conception capacity"]

Empowerment Note

Feminist reproductive justice centers women's right to have, not have, and parent children on their own terms—reclaiming reproductive agency from biological essentialism.

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