Would you assist in abortions?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

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

I think the thing that we are all forgetting here is that as nurses we have a job to do. When we get to work we leave our prejudices at the door. Just like a drug seeker in the ER, who are we to tell them no you cant have this pain med go home. Are we to tell a woman no you cant have an abortion so go home. Then maybe later we can see her on the news for beating or maybe even killing her child, We have no right to judge people we are nurses we take care of those that are sick, it is our job to educate, so that women do not find themselves in the same position. I know that it is not right but for some people it is the only way that they have out of who knows what kind of situation, and you know what not everyone thinks before they act. That is why we have freedom to make the decisions we make. Whos to say that you wont see the baby in heaven that was raped and killed because no one wanted it around. That baby just might ask why you didnt help them when you could.

edib1 . . . may I gently say that as I read your post about not judging people who choose abortion, I was struck about your judgment that people who are not allowed to have an abortion will then beat their child or worse, kill their child. I think that is an unfair characterization and I doubt that most people who are troubled by a pregnancy then go on to abuse that child. People abuse their children even when they are planned children. Not being able to have an abortion does not automatically = child abuse.

Three of my children were unplanned and I was upset each time and actually with my last child, who was a surprise baby when I was 43 and my husband was 47, I was terrified and angry and we didn't know what we were going to do.

However, I have not abused any of my "unplanned" children or the one I planned.

Using the child abuse argument is just a little disingenuious, in my opinion and not a good argument for legalized abortion.

steph

Whos to say that you wont see the baby in heaven that was raped and killed because no one wanted it around. That baby just might ask why you didnt help them when you could.

I don't think killing someone before they have a chance to live on the off chance they might be raped or killed is an act of kindness. On the other hand, just think of all the millions of babies in heaven who might ask, " Why did you kill me before I had a chance?" or "Why didn't you help me when you could?" I don't think most women willing choose abortion, I highly suspect that most are bullied into it by boyfriends, husbands, and parents.

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
edib1 . . . may I gently say that as I read your post about not judging people who choose abortion, I was struck about your judgment that people who are not allowed to have an abortion will then beat their child or worse, kill their child. I think that is an unfair characterization and I doubt that most people who are troubled by a pregnancy then go on to abuse that child. People abuse their children even when they are planned children. Not being able to have an abortion does not automatically = child abuse.

Three of my children were unplanned and I was upset each time and actually with my last child, who was a surprise baby when I was 43 and my husband was 47, I was terrified and angry and we didn't know what we were going to do.

However, I have not abused any of my "unplanned" children or the one I planned.

Using the child abuse argument is just a little disingenuious, in my opinion and not a good argument for legalized abortion.

steph

Well said. :)

I think the thing that we are all forgetting here is that as nurses we have a job to do. When we get to work we leave our prejudices at the door. Just like a drug seeker in the ER, who are we to tell them no you cant have this pain med go home.

And, a gentle addition to Steph: You are correct, we should leave our prejudices at the door. However, nothing says we must leave our personal morals at the door.

I am not in favor of outlawing abortion, because what you and I consider morally correct may be very different. This is just that kind of issue. This goes beyond a question of prejudice. I pre-judge no woman who has had or wants an abortion. I can only sit in judgement of my own actions. I know for myself personally, I could not participate in an elective abortion.

In recognizing the rights of the women, you must also recognize my right to act (or not act) according to my moral beliefs.

Kevin McHugh

Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.

I would. I don't believe in abortion for me, but this isn't about me.

Yes, I definitely would. Abortion is a personal & difficult decision, and I support choice. These women need compassion, understanding, and support. Not judgement.

I realize that in saying I would not assist in an abortion, I am "judging" the situation and "judging" that it is something I morally could not do. And I realize that sounds like I'm judging the woman. And that that sounds mean. However, we are all "judging" no matter what side of the issue we come from. The nurses who would assist are judging those who would not assist. And making a "judgment" about the woman who has a right to an abortion and helping her to uphold that right.

I really think that we have the legal right as nurses to make this decision to assist or not and we should really just leave it at that. I do not mean to come down on a woman who makes that choice. Really, she would never know because I would not be her nurse. So, my making a decision not to assist doesn't really affect her. There are plenty of nurses who feel strongly about assisting a woman at this difficult time and I commend them. And even though I do not agree with abortion, I would NEVER treat a woman with anything but compassion for making that choice.

I guess I don't see why we need to question each other about this.

steph

Yes, I would.....in nursing we are called to do many things we personally would not choose for ourselves...and we do them. Like someone else said "this is not about me".

Yes, I would.

I too believe in a woman's choice to choose, however couldn't have one myself nor give support to another woman who made this choice. I have been faced with this subject far too many times and have to do what I feel morally is right. So my answer is no. I did however just turn down a job for that reason

yes i would. after being date raped 5 years ago I went to the emergency room to get the "morning after pill". (it was the weekend and all clinics were closed). I didnt tell the truth to the nurses and doctors because i didnt want to get the police involved. anyways, to try to make a long story short. i was treated horribly by the physician, he cast judgement upon me and was very hurtful. he initially refused to provide the prescription, but then when i explained the time frame involved and that i needed it, he reluctantly provided the prescription. i have never been more humiliated. i am not a judgemental person to begin with, but after that day i vowed never to cast my judgement and beliefs onto a patient and make them feel the way i did. just my two cents.

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