Would you assist in abortions?

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 29, 2004

Give up the right? Hmmmm----Becoming a nurse does NOT equate with violating one's moral code for a procedure that is NOT provided in a case of medical necessity or emergency. NOWHERE IN OUR CODE DOES IT SAY WE REFUTE ALL MORAL/RELIGIOUS beliefs to BECOME NURSES. NO where does it say in my nurse practice act I need do so, either.

That said, I am pro-choice, just in case you think otherwise. But I CANNOT SEE FORCING A NURSE WHO IS AGAINST ABORTION IN ASSISTING WITH ONE. NO ONE IS SERVED well by so-doing. The nurse, certainly, but neither is the patient. How supportive can a nurse be in such a situation and WHY subject the patient to his/her discomfort in it?

allnurses Guide · Apr 29, 2004

The question is would you assist in an abortion. Not, if you worked in a place that did abortions would you assist. There is a big difference. And yes, we do have a choice.

steph

sbic56, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2004

This may be a very inflammatory opinion--who am I kidding, it IS inflammatory--but I think as nurses, as soon as we accepted the responsibility to be nurses, we gave up the right to decide who gets care and who doesn't.
If we allow ourselves to say "I won't take care of X.", then where do you stop? I think rapists should be grilled over an open fire, but can I say, "No, I won't take care of him"? (And yes, I was in that position. I gritted my teeth and went in with a pleasant expression on my face and did a good job.) Can I refuse care to child molesters? How 'bout blacks? Asians? Gays? Christians, pro.lifers? Anyone else of whom I disapprove?
Where does it stop?
I firmly believe we have a sacred duty to care for whoever shows up. You can ask if another nurse could do it for you, but if it comes down to the wire, *tag* you're it. We are not the Final Arbeiter--leave that to God. I'm a Christian and I personally think God would be very disappointed in me if I decided I was going to pick and choose who had the "right" to care.
I don't like abortion either. I don't think I could have one. I hope for the day when no one wants or needs an abortion, but that day is far off. Meanwhile, I'll take a deep breath, screw my courage to the sticking point and go in to give good care.
I apologive in advance if I am offending anyone. I think this is an important issue and all points should be heard.

I understand your stance and totally agree. I wouldn't have an abortion myself, but am pro-choice. Of course, assisting would not be a pleasant experience, but neither is it for the woman undergoing the procedure. I could get past my own prejudices and be there for her in this time where she needs support void of any judgment. Could I do this on a daily basis? No, but I respect those who do for their compassion and ability to be there in a time that is so very hard for so many.

TDub, MSN, EdD · Apr 29, 2004

Something I failed to make clear was that I was talking about a nurse refusing to assist when she worked in a place where assisting was the standard. If you feel like it's murder, or if it violates your moral principles, obviously would wouldn't be interested in a job there. I wouldn't work in a place that went against my beliefs, either. I'm not being snarky or taking the piss, I'm agreeing with your viewpoint. Sort of a moot point really.

My stance was with nurses who refuse when they knew it was a condition of employment. This happens often at work; someone wants the high wage , doesn't want to work for the lower paying, non unionized Catholic hospital across town, but balks at the duties.

I agree: if you think it's wrong, don't do it. Just don't get yourself in a position where you feel you must refuse to participate in someone's ongoing care.

Another point: How do you feel about an abortion to save someone's life? For example, a woman has cancer and needs treatment to live? Please tell me your position. And again, this isn't to be snotty or in-your-face, I truly want to know how you feel.

EDIT: I'd like to point out that with all of our varied opinions, viewpoints and levels of passion, eveyone here is respectful in the expression of those opinions. This is why I love being a nurse. We may disagree, but we will defend each other's rights. Nurses are awesome!

suzieq8907 · Apr 29, 2004

Something I failed to make clear was that I was talking about a nurse refusing to assist when she worked in a place where assisting was the standard. If you feel like it's murder, or if it violates your moral principles, obviously would wouldn't be interested in a job there. I wouldn't work in a place that went against my beliefs, either. I'm not being snarky or taking the piss, I'm agreeing with your viewpoint. Sort of a moot point really.
My stance was with nurses who refuse when they knew it was a condition of employment. This happens often at work; someone wants the high wage , doesn't want to work for the lower paying, non unionized Catholic hospital across town, but balks at the duties.
I agree: if you think it's wrong, don't do it. Just don't get yourself in a position where you feel you must refuse to participate in someone's ongoing care.
Another point: How do you feel about an abortion to save someone's life? For example, a woman has cancer and needs treatment to live? Please tell me your position. And again, this isn't to be snotty or in-your-face, I truly want to know how you feel.
EDIT: I'd like to point out that with all of our varied opinions, viewpoints and levels of passion, eveyone here is respectful in the expression of those opinions. This is why I love being a nurse. We may disagree, but we will defend each other's rights. Nurses are awesome!

It is not that I feel like abortion is murder, its the fact that it IS murder and that murder is a crime and people who commit it should and will in the end pay the price. About saving someone's life, I will be honest enough to say I am not sure what my stance on that is. I fully believe abortion is completley and totaly wrong, yet I would want to save the mother's life as well. And it would be the mothers choice whether or not to have the precedure......the question was "would you assist in an abortion" and my answer is a firm no.

FNimuaeMae · Apr 29, 2004

I just applied for a job at a hospital where one of the units I might possibly work on does 2nd trimester abortions, which the recruiter told me on the phone. I'm pro choice, never had an abortion nor have I ever been pregnant, but it was a good question to ponder.

I guess they have someone dedicated to doing those cases, but of course they won't always be there when those cases come in.

After a day or so of pondering, I came up with the thought that nurses are exposed to many many of the uglier aspects of life as par for the course in this profession, and while I may be pro choice, I may not want to participate in assisting with an abortion as a matter of just wanting to preserve a little more of my own personal "innocence" from some of those uglier aspects of life. So I think thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

M (needing to go back to bed)

gypsyatheart · Apr 30, 2004

It is not that I feel like abortion is murder, its the fact that it IS murder and that murder is a crime and people who commit it should and will in the end pay the price. About saving someone's life, I will be honest enough to say I am not sure what my stance on that is. I fully believe abortion is completley and totaly wrong, yet I would want to save the mother's life as well. And it would be the mothers choice whether or not to have the precedure......the question was "would you assist in an abortion" and my answer is a firm no.

I'm sorry, suzieq....really it is "if you feel like it's murder"....it is not a "fact" that abortion is murder. Perhaps you feel that way, and I respect your opinion. Many do not feel as if abortion is murder. Again, goes back to when you believe the embryo/fetus actually becomes a "baby"...the age old debate.

Not trying to start a debate, being totally respectful of your opinion...but that's what it is , your opinion. We all have one. It doesn't make it a "fact".

Thank you.

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · Apr 30, 2004

To answer the question; I would not. At this time, I would not because I wouldn't be 100% comfortable with assisting. Because I don't feel that I can judge abortion to be ethical or not I wouldn't assist. I would be afraid that I would feel very badly about it afterwards and not be able to take it back.

I feel like my opinion on the subject goes both ways in some instances I feel like the baby should be given a chance at life and put up for adoption. On the other hand I can not see forcing a very young child, or victim of rape or incest to give birth to a child resulting from those crimes.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2004

It's interesting how when people have very strong opinions on something they sometimes mistakenly refer to them as fact, like somehow their insistance makes it so!

TDub, MSN, EdD · Apr 30, 2004

Exactly sbic56 and moondancer---I think a lot of people are mistaken that way. I tell my students in lecture "This is my opinion, it may not be the truth." That confuses them until they work it out.

"I feel like my opinion on the subject goes both ways in some instances I feel like the baby should be given a chance at life and put up for adoption. On the other hand I can not see forcing a very young child, or victim of rape or incest to give birth to a child resulting from those crimes." ------>

FROGGYLEGS, someone (I've now forgotten who) said a true mark of intelligence was to be able to hold 2 opposite viewpoints in your mind at the same time.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Apr 30, 2004

It's interesting how when people have very strong opinions on something they sometimes mistakenly refer to them as fact, like somehow their insistance makes it so!

Isn't it though? :)

purplemania, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2004

no, unless the fetus was grossly abnormal or the mother's life was threatened. When people talk about choice they forget that the main person involved is not given any choices.