The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pushing back on a report saying the agency was not allowing the personnel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to use words like "diversity," "transgender" and "fetus" in official documents.

"The assertion that HHS has 'banned words' is a complete mischaracterization of discussions regarding the budget formulation process," HHS spokesman Matt Lloyd told The Hill on Saturday.

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"HHS will continue to use the best scientific evidence available to improve the health of all Americans. HHS also strongly encourages the use of outcome and evidence data in program evaluations and budget decisions," the statement continued.

The statement comes after The Washington Post reported that senior CDC officials sent around a list of "forbidden" words and phrases.

The banned words and phrases included “vulnerable,” “entitlement,” “diversity,” “transgender” “fetus," "science-based" and "evidence-based."

The report has resulted in backlash against the Trump administration, which has been criticized for not acknowledging scientific findings, most notably on climate change.