The complicated and divisive topic of abortion raises several ethical questions. The sanctity of human life, non-maleficence, and the right to autonomy and self-determination are some of the fundamental ethical ideas frequently addressed regarding abortion. The nurse’s responsibility is to provide patients with reliable information and assistance in a non-judgmental manner while also being conscious of any personal or religious convictions that can affect how the patient feels about the situation.
The principle of autonomy and self-determination asserts that people can decide what happens to their bodies and how they are treated. Most importantly, this principle upholds the belief that a woman has the right to decide whether or not to have an abortion (Rich & Rapkin, 2022). In other words, a woman should have the freedom to receive safe and legal abortion services devoid of restriction from the state or religious organizations.
On the other hand, the sanctity of human life principle holds that human life is sacred and ought to be safeguarded starting at conception. This theory would support the notion that abortion is morally wrong inherently since it entails the termination of human existence (Lan, 2021). Those who hold this viewpoint can also claim that alternatives like adoption must be considered while discussing the issue.
Additionally, the non-maleficence principle, which holds that medical professionals should not cause harm, also pertains to abortion. The idea that medical professionals should not assist in abortion if they think it will be damaging to the mother or the unborn is supported by this principle (Hersey et al., 2022). Nurses and other healthcare professionals should know that delaying abortion care may also harm the patient.
In addition, nurses play a crucial part in finding a solution to this issue. The ethical concepts related to abortion must be known and understood by nurses. They should be able to support patients thinking about getting an abortion while also being cognizant of any personal or religious convictions that might affect their views on the matter (Corpuz & Simmonds, 2022). Additionally, nurses are responsible for treating all patients with dignity and without discrimination, regardless of their personal views (Rich & Rapkin, 2022). They should be able to help patients emotionally and guide them through the healthcare system.
Nursing staff occasionally deal with patients who oppose abortion for ethical or religious reasons. If required, nurses should be able to direct patients to different healthcare providers or services while still providing non-judgmental care. Nurses must be knowledgeable about the abortion-related laws and policies in their state or nation and any limitations or obstacles that might prohibit patients from using abortion services (Corpuz & Simmonds, 2022). This may entail comprehending and navigating rules governing waiting periods, required counseling, and informed consent (Corpuz & Simmonds, 2022). Nurses should be able to give patients who want an abortion accurate information about the various abortion methods and their associated risks and benefits.
In conclusion, abortion poses many ethical issues, such as the sanctity of human life, the right to autonomy and self-determination, and the non-maleficence principle. Awareness of any personal or religious beliefs that might affect their attitudes toward the situation will help the nurse deliver correct information, emotional support, and care in a non-judgmental and courteous manner. Nurses should also be knowledgeable about abortion-related legislation and regulations and be able to help patients through the healthcare system, including making referrals as needed.
References
Corpuz, J. S., & Simmonds, K. (2022). Empowering the Nurse Practitioner With the Reproductive Justice Framework. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 18(10), 1048–1051. Web.
Hersey, A. E., Potter-Rutledge, J. M., & Brown, B. P. (2022). Abortion policies at the bedside: incorporating an ethical framework in the analysis and development of abortion legislation. Journal of Medical Ethics. Web.
Lan, N. T. (2021). The right to life of a fetus: abortion is a serious moral and social problem of the young people in Vietnam. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 10(15). Web.
Rich, N., & Rapkin, R. (2022). Upholding medical ethics principles by performing abortion: a provider’s perspective. Journal of Gynecologic Surgery, 38(5), 339–343. Web.