Bette Midler addresses backlash after comments about abortion access criticized as anti-trans

Bette Midler defended herself against online backlash Tuesday after a tweet posted over the weekend sparked criticism on social media, with thousands of users calling her comments anti-transgender and exclusionary.

Midler, who has lent her voice to LGBTQ+ activism in the past and been described as an ally to the community, was met with disappointment from fans and advocacy groups when she seemed to balk at growing calls to use gender-inclusive terms in discussions that involve abortion access.

"WOMEN OF THE WORLD! We are being stripped of our rights over our bodies, our lives and even of our name!" the artist tweeted on Sunday. "They don't call us 'women' anymore; they call us 'birthing people' or 'menstruators,' and even 'people with vaginas'! Don't let them erase you! Every human on earth owes you!"