Care of women having termination of first-trimester pregnancy

Nurses and care of women seeking abortions, 1971 to 2011

In its first issue in 1972, JOGNN published a review article reporting surveillance data about abortions in the United States (Bourne, Kahn, Conger, & Tyler, 1972). This historical article predated Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Since this landmark decision, numerous articles have addressed nurses' role in abortion care. We review current literature on nurses and abortion care and use thematic categories to highlight areas of investigation.

Women's experiences after an induced second trimester abortion

OBJECTIVE

to describe women's experiences of an abortion in the second trimester.

DESIGN

qualitative design using semi-structured interviews.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

six women were interviewed after a second trimester abortion.

METHODS

the women were interviewed in person after they were discharged from the hospital. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then analysed using qualitative content analysis.

FINDINGS

four categories were identified: to consider and accept the decision; to lack understanding about the abortion procedure; to be in need of support and information; to have memories for life. Findings show that information and support during the whole abortion process is important. Women found it difficult to make the decision and going through abortion left memories for life.

CONCLUSION

information and support is of great importance for women in this vulnerable situation. The need for further support points out the need to have follow-up contacts with women after an induced second trimester abortion.