title: Termination of pregnancy--a nurse's right to choose.
abstract: If the conflict between pro- and anti-abortionists in nursing persists, perhaps a solution might be the establishment of specialised treatment centres designed specifically for termination procedures. Staff in these centres could be selected on the basis of their suitability and empathy with the women in their care. However, the establishment of such centres would fall into the category of an ideal solution and are highly unlikely to be adopted in practice. It is the responsibility of every nurse to clarify in their own mind exactly where they stand on such issues as termination of pregnancy before they accept a post where such procedures are likely to be carried out. Once a nurse has committed his or herself to assisting in theatre, then they should be prepared to collaborate fully with the work of the surgical team. Education can ensure that nurses are aware of all the issues and are able to make their own decision based on real experience. Abortions will always be carried out whether inside or outside the law; it is far better that women receive the best possible care and counselling and it is the duty of the nursing profession to provide that care.
authors.affiliation: Addenbrookes NHS Trust, Cambridge.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hurry
mesh_terms: D000029:Abortion, Legal; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011247:Pregnancy; D016079:Refusal to Treat / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012941:Social Responsibility; D006113:United Kingdom