Washington, D.C. — Every year, March is designated by presidential proclamation as Women’s History Month to honor the contributions of women to American history. 

Dictionaries commonly define “woman” as an “adult female human being.” But that definition has come under fire in recent years by activists who dispute the biological basis of womanhood. Likewise, the past few years have seen numerous efforts to decouple the legal meaning of sex from biology. 

Carrie Lukas, president of Independent Women’s Forum, asked “It is becoming increasingly difficult to speak about women and women’s rights in a common language. How can we honor women during Women’s History Month if we can’t even agree on what a woman is?”

Jennifer C. Braceras, director of Independent Women’s Law Center said, “Redefining sex to mean ‘gender’ or’ gender identity’ has concerning implications for the collection of data regarding education, crime, and the economic status of women. And it undermines our ability to ensure compliance with laws, such as Title IX, that require equal opportunity for members of both sexes.”

Senior Policy Analyst Inez Stepman said, “Policies that redefine ‘sex’’ to mean ‘gender’ or ‘gender identity’ erase biological women from our civil rights laws and jeopardize women’s safety, privacy, and opportunities.”

IWF Senior Fellow Ginny Gentles added, “By redefining the meaning of sex and womanhood, gender ideology imposes outdated and sexist stereotypes on women and girls. It disrespects women’s freedom to choose different ways of living and teaches that certain interests, behaviors, or modes of expression are distinctly male. Activists instruct women and girls that unless they think or behave a certain stereotypical way, they are not really female.

IWF and IWLC will continue to fight for a biological definition of sex and for policies that improve the lives of women, girls, and their families.

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www.iwf.org

Independent Women’s Forum is dedicated to developing and advancing policies that aren’t just well intended, but actually enhance people’s freedom, choices, and opportunities.

www.iwlc.org 

Independent Women’s Law Center advocates for equal opportunity, individual liberty, and respect for the American constitutional order.