It's about finding a balance…exploring conscientious objection to abortion with UK midwives

Area of Science:

• Midwifery and Reproductive Health
• Bioethics and Human Rights
• Healthcare Professional Ethics

Background:

• Conscientious objection to abortion is a recognized right for health professionals, yet poorly understood among midwives.
• Limited empirical research exists on midwives' perspectives regarding participation in abortion care and their scope for objection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate midwives' beliefs about the scope and limitations of their legal right to conscientious objection concerning abortion.
• To explore the practical implications and challenges faced by midwives in exercising conscientious objection.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study involving 17 midwives in Glasgow and Liverpool, UK.
• Data collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim.
• Analysis employed thematic analysis and a Human Rights framework for midwifery care.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: respecting and protecting, informed decision-making, non-discriminatory care, and the influence of experience and culture.
• Strong support for midwives' right to conscientious objection was evident, but its practical implementation is complex and challenging.
• Operationalizing conscientious objection creates difficulties for objecting midwives, their colleagues, and managers.

Conclusions:

• Midwives' views on conscientious objection highlight the challenge of "finding a balance" between personal beliefs and professional duties.
• A national strategy is needed to accommodate conscientious objection in abortion care.
• Ensuring optimal care for women and support for midwives within a human rights framework is crucial.