Margaret Atwood has sparked backlash after posting an article asking why we are apparently not allowed to say the word "woman" anymore.

Atwood shared the Twitter post with her 2 million followers earlier this week, with no further comment in the caption.

The op-ed, written by Toronto Star journalist Rosie DiManno, delves into the ongoing discussion around trans-inclusive terminology.

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The 65-year-old columnist argued in the article that the word "woman" is in "danger of becoming a dirty word".

Atwood, who has often expressed support for transgender people, urged her followers in another tweet to "read her piece", adding that "she’s not a TERF."

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However, many of the author's followers have expressed disappointment in her, with non-binary author Mx. Amanda Jetté Knox writing: "I’m disappointed you shared this because it’s factually untrue.

"We can still say 'woman' & we can also say 'people' when it makes sense to use more inclusive language. I’m nonbinary. I also menstruate and gave birth to 3 kids. Saying 'people with periods' includes women AND me."

Another author, Katie Mack, argued that being inclusive of trans and non-binary people is "not an attack on womanhood".

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She said: "No one is banning the word 'woman.' Many organizations are — rightly — opting for precise language when talking about things that have to do with biological traits rather than gender identity. It’s not an attack on womanhood to NOT equate gender with specific biology."

Fantasy writer Abbie Karlish wrote: "You can say woman or women or ladies or girls whenever and however you want. We’re just also recognizing that, when discussing repro rights, biology, and many other things, saying 'women' is often inaccurate or outright exclusionary."

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The 81-year-old's tweet appears to contradict her previous stance where the trans community is concerned. In fact, she recently signed an open letter advocating for trans rights.

"This is a message of love and solidarity for the trans and non-binary community,” the letter reads, per The Guardian.

It continues: "Culture is, and should always be, at the forefront of societal change, and as writers, editors, agents, journalists, and publishing professionals, we recognize the vital role our industry has in advancing and supporting the wellbeing and rights of trans and non-binary people.

"We stand with you, we hear you, we see you, we accept you, we love you. The world is better for having you in it. Non-binary lives are valid, trans women are women, trans men are men, trans rights are human rights. From members of the UK and Irish publishing community."

Featured image credit: roger parkes / Alamy

'The Handmaid's Tale' author Margaret Atwood sparks backlash after asking 'why can't we say "woman" anymore'