Academics at Australian National University in Canberra have asked staff to stop using the words 'mother' and 'father'. According to its Gender Institute Handbook, those words should be replaced by 'gestational parent' and 'non-birthing parent' respectively in order to deliver "gender-inclusive education".

'Breastfeeding' should be 'chestfeeding' and 'mother's milk' 'human or parent's milk'.

"When discussing childbirth, use the terms 'gestational' or 'birthing' parent rather than 'mother', and the terms 'non-gestational' or 'non-birthing' parent rather than 'father'," the booklet says.

"While many students will identify as 'mothers' or 'fathers', using these terms alone to describe parenthood excludes those who do not identify with gender-binaries.

"This non-gendered language is particularly important in clinical or abstract academic discussions of childbirth and parenthood, both to recognise the identities of students in the class, and to model inclusive behaviour for students entering clinical practice."

According to a report in the Herald Sun, the booklet acknowledges staff might "make a mistake" but urges them to practise until they get it right.

However, an ANU spokesman says the document "is not an official ANU policy, process or official prescription to staff and students".

"The guide is an academic output produced by experts who are free to research in their field of expertise under our policies on academic freedom," he said.

Plain English Foundation executive director Dr Neil James told the Herald Sun that language guides often shaped the way people thought.

"Choosing particular terms will steer community attitudes," he said, referring to a study about euthanasia that found 70 per cent of Australians supported "ending a person's life by some painless means", but only 51 per cent supported the statement "assist the patient to commit suicide".

Should words evolve with changing community attitudes? Are you swayed by the way ideas are phrased?