Induced legal abortion remains the leading worldwide fertility regulation method. More than 1.5 million abortions are performed in the United States and Canada annually. Nursing is integral to the care of women who have abortions and their families. The complexity of nursing care is dictated by gestational age, the procedure performed, and patient needs.
PIP: Over 1.5 million abortions are performed each year in the US and Canada. In both countries, abortion seekers tend to be under 5 years of age, unmarried, white, and low-income. Lack of preparedness for the economic and psychosocial repercussions of motherhood is the most frequently cited reason for seeking pregnancy termination. Since most women with unwanted pregnancies are able to choose fairly quickly among the options,their need from health professionals is for emotional support of the decision made and information about procedures. Although transitory feelings of regret, sadness, and guilt frequently accompany the abortion experience, there is no solid research evidence of severe long-term negative effects. 99% of first-trimester and 76% of second-trimester abortions are performed by curettage. The current abortion mortality rate is less than 0.5% and anesthesia is the major contributor to these deaths. Complications occur in less that 1% of women. Pre-abortion treatment of conditions such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and cervicitis reduces the incidence of infection after abortion. The most frequent complication is retained products of conception. Nursing management of induced abortion varies according to the type of procedure, the policies of the facility, and the patient's needs. The intake assessment should cover medical history, psychosocial factors, knowledge level, and present or potential physical complications. Decreasing patient fear and anxiety through emotional support and concise explanations of procedures is a nursing task regardless of the setting. Although nurses should have freedom of choice regarding their involvement in abortion procedures, such choice is not always respected or feasible. Nurses who have moral objections to providing care for abortion patients should inform potential employers of this stance.