UK BBC Presenter’s ‘Pregnant People’ Correction Draws Applause from JK Rowling

[Social Media]

 

BBC Presenter’s ‘Pregnant People’ Correction Draws Applause from JK Rowling

 

A subtle but pointed moment during a BBC News broadcast has ignited praise and debate after presenter Martine Croxall appeared to push back on gender-neutral terminology. While reading a segment about heatwave safety guidance for vulnerable groups, Croxall initially used the term “pregnant people”—a phrase increasingly adopted by institutions and activists to accommodate gender self-identification. But in the very next breath, she made a deliberate correction: “women,” adding slight emphasis and a visible roll of the eyes.

 

BBC presenter reads “pregnant people” from the teleprompter and then corrects it to “women”. 

BBC presenter reads “pregnant people” from the teleprompter and then corrects it to “women”.

Takes a brave, brave lady to do this at the BBC. 😅 pic.twitter.com/TXsmO6RHbW

— Hazel Appleyard (@HazelAppleyard_) June 22, 2025

 

The moment, broadcast live during a Saturday lunchtime bulletin, quickly made its way online. Among those to share and celebrate the clip was author and gender-critical campaigner JK Rowling. Posting it to her X account (formerly Twitter), the Harry Potter writer declared: “I have a new favourite BBC presenter.”

 

According to reports, the term “pregnant people” had originated directly from the scientific study Croxall was summarising, rather than being editorial wording from the BBC itself. The broadcaster, for its part, has not released an official comment on the incident. However, it is understood that its internal guidance does not enforce the use of gender-neutral language such as “pregnant people,” although journalists are instructed to use individuals' preferred gender pronouns.

 

This approach is outlined in the BBC’s internal style guide, which states: “A person born male who lives as a female would typically be described as a ‘transgender woman’ and would take the pronoun ‘she’. And vice versa. We generally use the term and pronoun preferred by the person in question.” The guidance aligns with a wider trend in media organisations toward respecting self-identification, though it has become increasingly contentious amid legal and cultural debates over biological sex and gender identity.

 

The NHS, in particular, has faced mounting scrutiny for adopting phrases like “pregnant people” and “birthing person,” prompting criticism from those who argue that such language erases the biological reality of women. Activists defending this language say it ensures inclusivity for transgender and non-binary individuals who may also experience pregnancy.

 

Yet the backdrop to this debate has shifted in recent months, particularly following an April ruling by the UK Supreme Court. In that decision, the court held that the legal definition of “woman” should refer to biological sex, not self-identified gender—a ruling that has cast uncertainty over institutional language guidelines, including those of the BBC. The broadcaster has reportedly begun reviewing its editorial policies in light of the ruling, though no changes have yet been implemented.

 

JK Rowling, whose public stance on gender and sex has made her a lightning rod in the broader culture war, recently accused the BBC of failing to report on issues she sees as central to the rights and safety of women. Just last week, she criticised the broadcaster for not covering a women-only housing project that will admit biological men who identify as women. “The BBC can no longer be trusted to report on transgender issues,” Rowling said at the time.

 

Though Croxall’s brief moment on air may have seemed minor, its resonance across social media and among gender-critical voices reflects the growing sensitivity around language, identity, and the role of public institutions in mediating those issues. For now, the BBC has stayed silent, but the conversation it inadvertently sparked is unlikely to quiet down soon.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph  2025-06-24

 

 

[newbee2022]

I wonder how this article made it to "world news" 😳

[JonnyF]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

For now, the BBC has stayed silent, but the conversation it inadvertently sparked is unlikely to quiet down soon.

 

They're still working out how long to send her to the gulag for. 

 

Opposition to the Woke dogma shall not be tolerated at the BBC. 

 

"Vee have vays of making you comply, Miss Croxall".

 

 

[blazes]

One of the great benefits of living in Thailand is that one does not have to put up with this kind of $hite.

 

And if you are a "katowe" who wants to have babies, well....mai pen rai......and good luck.

 

[zz4096]

1 minute ago, blazes said:

One of the great benefits of living in Thailand is that one does not have to put up with this kind of $hite.

 

And if you are a "katowe" who wants to have babies, well....mai pen rai......and good luck.

 

 

What the fk is a "katowe"? 🤷

[Watawattana]

Well done Martine for using the correct and accurate terminology.

[Watawattana]

3 minutes ago, zz4096 said:

 

What the fk is a "katowe"? 🤷

I looked on Google.  Not sure it means a hinge, right-angled drill bit or a cinnamon roll though... 🤪

 

[frank83628]

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

I wonder how this article made it to "world news" 😳

How a TV presenter saying 'woman' when referring to somone that is pregnant can be labelled controversial is nuts itself.

[zz4096]

3 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

I looked on Google.  Not sure it means a hinge, right-angled drill bit or a cinnamon roll though... 🤪

 

 

Mmm... cinnamon roll 🤤 😂

[blazes]

20 minutes ago, zz4096 said:

 

What the fk is a "katowe"? 🤷

 Ladyboy.  Sorry if it's confusing.

[peter zwart]

Now bombs are falling everywhere like rain from the sky, and people are still getting worked up over this WOKE BS? It's very simple: a woman gets pregnant, and a man does not. That’s just a biological fact.

[JAG]

58 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

They're still working out how long to send her to the gulag for. 

 

Opposition to the Woke dogma shall not be tolerated at the BBC. 

 

"Vee have vays of making you comply, Miss Croxall".

 

 

A posting to the Scilly Isles as a traffic news presenter beckons!