Although the controversy around Roe v. Wade is significant to American society, the Times' edit seems a dramatic overreaction. Not only did the last-minute swap confuse users, some questioned whether the NYT used "engagement bait" to reel in readers.
The decision to switch "fetus" with a benign word was a sensitive and respectful one, as many face the stress and uncertainty of having their rights eroded. An appropriate move from the country's newspaper of record.
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