Reference no: EM133913853

The Nurse Asked to Assist in an Abortion

Mrs. Betty Phelps worked part time in a small suburban hospital. Because she was familiar with the hospital's routines and the staff, she was often asked by the nursing supervisor to work in patient care areas that were short on nursing staff for that particular shift. Today, she was asked to work in the recovery room. Within an hour, however, the nursing supervisor Identifying Ethical Conflicts 25 called and asked her to report to A-4, the suite of rooms where elective abortions were usually performed. Hesitatingly, Mrs. Phelps told the supervisor that she did not believe in abortion. A devout Catholic, she considered abortion to be the killing of human life and a mortal sin. Would it be possible for the supervisor to find someone else to help out at A-4? The supervisor said she understood and would try to find another nurse. In the meantime, however, Dr. Graham needed someone to prep his patient and set up the room for the abortion. Because Mrs. Phelps was not busy at the moment, the supervisor asked if she would go to A-4 and at least prep Dr. Graham's patient. Reluctantly, Mrs. Phelps agreed to this arrangement as long as the supervisor would send another nurse to replace her. The supervisor assured her that she would do this. In A-4, after preparing the equipment and the room, Mrs. Phelps prepped Dr. Graham's patient, a 16-year-old unmarried teenager who was approximately 8 weeks pregnant. She then told the physician that his patient was ready but that she would not participate in the proceedings. Another nurse would arrive shortly who would assist him. Dr. Graham protested, saying in an annoyed tone of voice to Mrs. Phelps, "Do you think I have all day to wait while the nursing staff puts its moralism and emotions in order? Everyone-the patient, the fetus, and the community-will be better off not having to deal with one more illegitimate child requiring public support." When Mrs. Phelps stated that her religious and moral beliefs did not allow her to participate in performing an abortion, Dr. Graham claimed that the fetus was really just "a piece of tissue" and not really human life. Thus, there was nothing morally wrong with performing abortions early in pregnancy. Now would Mrs. Phelps please come into the room and assist him? When Mrs. Phelps declined, Dr. Graham stalked angrily down the hallway claiming it was a sad day for patients when nurses decided they would not provide needed care.

Discuss if a nurse has the right to refuse care. What considerations exist for the patient?