Nurse midwives' attitudes toward abortion performance and related procedures

Area of Science:

• Medical Practice
• Public Health
• Women's Health

Background:

• A 1990 symposium highlighted a shortage of physician abortion providers.
• Recommendations included training nurse-midwives for first-trimester abortions under supervision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess nurse-midwives' attitudes towards performing abortions and related procedures.
• To understand support for expanding nurse-midwife roles in abortion care.

Main Methods:

• A national mail survey of American College of Nurse-Midwives members.
• 1,208 questionnaires returned, representing a 71.1% response rate.

Main Results:

• 79% opposed abortion access restrictions.
• 52% would permit nurse-midwives to perform abortions; 24% would incorporate them into practice.
• Support varied regionally, with highest on the west coast (65%) and lowest in the midwest (31%).
• Supporters were more likely to have experience with well-woman gynecology and abortion-related services.
• 91% would refer patients for abortion; 57% would prescribe RU 486; 56% would perform D&C for spontaneous abortion.

Conclusions:

• Nurse-midwives' views on performing abortions are complex and influenced by practice experience.
• Significant willingness exists to support abortion access through referrals and related services.
• Further research is needed for institutional policy and individual practice guidelines.