Would you assist in abortions?

fergus51 · Mar 22, 2004

Michelle, you are allowed to refuse to participate in procedures that you believe are immoral. They will get someone else to do it. The important thing is to be upfront about it (don't apply to work in an abortion clinic and then say you won't participate in them, kwim?:)). I refuse to participate in circumcisions and it has never been a problem. Several nurses where i work will not participate in blood transfusions.

nursemichelle · Mar 22, 2004

Oh, thats a relief! I've been worried about that! Thanks for the quick answer!! :)

jkaee · Mar 22, 2004

Fergus...just a question....why won't you assist in circumcisions? (If you don't mind answering, I'm just curious)

When I was a "young" nurse, I applied in a couple of PP clinics and the like....I know I couldn't do it now, although I enjoy counseling women faced with an unexpected pregnancy. I wouldn't put her down if she decided on an abortion, but I also wouldn't recommend it. If she asked about it, I would counsel her the best I could, but I wouldn't facilitate her getting an abortion.

Just my 2 cents!

Brownms46 · Mar 22, 2004

While I was a student I unwittingly became involved with a pt. who was having a saline abortion. It was a county hospital, and was it was not publicly known that they preformed abortions there. I walked into answer a light for a bedpan, and while placing the pt. on it, I saw this baby coming out. I wouldn't go into details, but I will say I almost passed out in the bed with her!

Later after regaining my senses, I again answer this pt's call for a bedpan. I thought I was safe in assisting her, as she had already passed the products of birth. So I thought! There was another one, and it was worse than the first!

Later I walked into the room to find her laughing about what happened. Someone asked her what she used for BC, and she stated abortions! I almost lost it! I couldn't believe that this woman had such little regard for the lives she was creating.

So no I wouldn't work in an abortion clinic, because even though I believe it is a woman's right to chose! I feel it is also a woman's duty to take responsibility for her actions, and abortion should not be undertaken lightly. I couldn't deal with helping a woman like the one I ran into many years ago. I have no compassion for someone so selfish as that.

Burnt Out, ASN, RN · Mar 22, 2004

someone asked her what she used for bc, and she stated abortions!

oh...my...gosh... :stone :uhoh21: :crying2: :angryfire

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Mar 22, 2004

Granted this is very judgemental, but wouldn't it be strange if someone who used abortions as repeated BC before, have difficulty having children when SHE wanted to?

RNmommy · Mar 22, 2004

To respond to the OP, yes I would theoretically but I would never choose that line of work. I am not morally opposed.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Mar 22, 2004

No. Never, under any circumstance.

KMSRN · Mar 22, 2004

I am just curious. Would you ever work in an abortion clinic? Would you give pills that would cause an abortion? Thanks

No. I don't believe a person can kill children all day without slowly kill their own mind, heart, and soul.

bagladyrn, RN · Mar 22, 2004

Yes I would, have in the past and will if need be in the future. As a firm supporter of women's right to choose, I feel compelled to do so. I have also voluntarily worked on my days off to care for these patients so that my co-workers who did not feel they could care for these patients would not have to. (Again a part of supporting others right to choose).

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · Mar 22, 2004

No. I would not.

fergus51 · Mar 22, 2004

Fergus...just a question....why won't you assist in circumcisions? (If you don't mind answering, I'm just curious)
When I was a "young" nurse, I applied in a couple of PP clinics and the like....I know I couldn't do it now, although I enjoy counseling women faced with an unexpected pregnancy. I wouldn't put her down if she decided on an abortion, but I also wouldn't recommend it. If she asked about it, I would counsel her the best I could, but I wouldn't facilitate her getting an abortion.
Just my 2 cents!

Off topic, but I think it's wrong to subject an infant to a painful procedure with real medical risks for cosmetic reasons. I have personally seen a baby almost bleed to death after a routine circ and since then have refused to participate in them. The father was almost as pale as the baby and said he would never have insisted on circumcision if he knew that could happen. A baby in BC actually did die last year from bleeding post circ. I know it isn't common, but the way I see it, why subject a baby to any risks without any real benefits?