Can nurses refuse to perform/assist circumcisions and abortions?

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Do not want this to turn into a heated debate I just plan on becoming an LVN and was wondering if I can refuse to perform these or even assist them. I live in California would this be a problem as an LVN?

thank you and happy holidays

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I am not the op I just have been told that when we do our ob rotation I will not be involved in circumcisions, as per my instructors.[/quote']

I know you are not the OP...Typo. ;)

I would still love to know would you care for the circumcised male in your example, or any circumcised male, or it's just the procedure in itself?

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I know you are not the OP...Typo. ;)

I would still love to know would you care for the circumcised male in your example, or any circumcised male, or it's just the procedure in itself?

For me it is the procedure, on infants.

Was I able to care for my patient afterwards? Yes, of course.

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I just want to say, I did not ask to be excused from the procedure. Our class often goes off topic and circumcision was brought up. I guess the reaction I had when someone stated a myth and I debunked it, my instructor realized how strongly I felt about routine infant circumcision. She told us she would not work in a facility that preforms non-therapeutic abortions (I think that's how you say it, abortions that people choose to have instead of need to have) and then she said that I would not be involved in circumcisions.

I hope that clears it up a bit.

After the procedure is complete I have and will look after the wound, and keep my mouth shut.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I think that as nurses there are some things you will come across that you just are opposed to...I think that nurses should be allowed to be excused if they are religiously, ethically or morally opposed.

I just feel that the patients choice is theirs to make and my personal opinions don't matter.

I have only asked to not care for a patient one time in 35 years....I KNEW my personal feeling would conflict with the care I rendered and I would not be giving this patient my all. Not that I would do anything "wrong" but I would definitely NOT be giving "good" care. It would be minimum in and out....my co-workers completely understood.

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Specializes in Multiple.

I say yes. You work in a free job market. Don't take a position at a place that knowingly performs these procedures.

ETA: OP isn't grossed out by circumcisions or abortions. If anyone takes a look at her name-it's a value/morality issue.

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Not at all, i have no problem if it needs to be done. My problem is with babies having it done and there being no medical need for it

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Specializes in 4.

I am an LVN and I do pre-op/post-op care for elective surgeries. Which does include abortions & circumcisions. Do I agree with abortions 100% of the time? In no way but I am not the patient. My job is to take care of others. As far as circumcision goes, aside from my religious faith I believe there is a health necessity but I wouldn't make someone have one. My beliefs are just that, mine but you have a right to work where you choose. As far as assisting during the surgeries, there are techs present & OR RN's who assist & yes, some do choose to opt out.

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