Dr Libby Weaver’s use of term ‘mongolism’ ‘offensive’ and ‘incorrect’

DR Libby Weaver has recalled 20,000 copies of her new book after complaints about the use of a “derogatory” term.

CELEBRITY nutritionist Dr Libby Weaver has recalled 20,000 copies of her book What Am I Supposed to Eat? in which she has used the term “mongolism”.

And medical experts now say her use of the term in the book in connection with the consumption of folate also has no scientific basis.

Weaver said she was horrified after learning the term was offensive when she received a phone call from a mother of a child with Down syndrome.

The Australian-based New Zealand nutritional biochemist apologised to the mother after being informed the meaning of the term.

“It has since been brought to my attention it is a word that is used in a derogatory way,” she said in a video posted to her Facebook page.

“I am mortified to have caused anyone any distress through my error in particular children with Down syndrome and their families.”

Weaver said she thought the word was currently used in the medical world. She said she has instructed the book be recalled and reprinted without the term.

Dr Libby Weaver has apologised and recalled her book.

The term mongolism is an offensive term used to describe Down syndrome people.

In Weaver’s book, What Am I Supposed to Eat? it suggests pregnant women consume folate to reduce the risk of “neural tube defects, spina bifida, deformed limbs and mongolism”.

IHC, an organisation that advocates for children with intellectual disabilities, was “thrilled” Weaver had pulled the book from shelves.

Director of advocacy, Trish Grant, said the connection made between Down syndrome and folate had an “extraordinary lack of basic science”.

“Down syndrome has nothing to do with folate.

“I think the comments are not only inaccurate but also distressing. They have potential to cause a lot of unnecessary harm,” Grant said.

She said the gaffe was the kind of misinformation that added to poor attitudes around Down syndrome.

Weaver has said anyone who bought a copy of the book can return it for a refund.

A version of this story was originally published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Originally published as Dr Libby Weaver’s use of term ‘mongolism’ ‘offensive’ and ‘incorrect’