Care of women having termination of first-trimester pregnancy

Abstract

The care of women having termination of pregnancy has always presented social, ethical and legal concerns to nurses and other healthcare professionals. Women having first-trimester termination of pregnancy may have the choice between medical and surgical methods. The process and procedure of these two approaches are discussed and the implications for nursing practice identified. There is now research evidence that explores women's experiences of these various methods and gives some insight into what the woman may experience. Nurses must have knowledge of these methods of termination to enable women to make the correct choices. The challenge for nurses then is to provide and evaluate information that is as effective as possible in meeting the needs of the individual woman.

Nurses and Care of Women Seeking Abortions, 1971 to 2011

“…Nine articles categorized under physiologic (knowledge-based) care of women undergoing abortion or 15% were consistent with this heading (Aby-Nielsen, 1979;Dommergues et al, 2003;Hughes, 2003;Huntington, 2002;Kwast, 1992;Lipp, 2007;Mackenzie & Yeo, 1997;Mueller, 1992;Murphy, Jordan, & Jones, 2000 Kwast), and medical abortion (Mackenzie & Yeo; Murphy et al). All articles covering midtrimester and late surgical abortion reviewed termination of pregnancy by induction of labor.…”

“…Nine articles categorized under physiologic (knowledge‐based) care of women undergoing abortion or 15% were consistent with this heading (Aby‐Nielsen, ; Dommergues et al, ; Hughes, ; Huntington, ; Kwast, ; Lipp, ; Mackenzie & Yeo, ; Mueller, 1992; Murphy, Jordan, & Jones, ). Four of these articles originated in the United Kingdom (Dommergues et al; Huntington; Lipp; Murphy et al).…”