How should nurses approach abortion care in jurisdictions with restrictions while upholding patient autonomy?

• A. Respect patient autonomy within the law; provide nonjudgmental care; refer to available resources; ensure privacy and confidentiality; document.
• B. Ignore the legal restrictions if the patient requests abortion.
• C. Dissuade patient from seeking abortion.
• D. Provide all services regardless of jurisdiction.

Answer: (A)

Respecting patient autonomy within the bounds of the law is the guiding approach. In jurisdictions with abortion restrictions, the nurse supports the patient’s right to decide by providing information about options and risks in a nonjudgmental, compassionate way, helping the patient access resources that are legally available, and safeguarding privacy and confidentiality. Thorough documentation of the patient’s stated wishes, the information provided, consent (as applicable), and referrals is essential for accountability and legal protection. This stance upholds the patient’s right to make decisions about their own body while ensuring care remains within legal and professional boundaries, which is the ethical and safe course. Ignoring restrictions would breach legal and professional duties; dissuading the patient violates autonomy and trust; and providing services beyond what the jurisdiction permits risks harm to the patient and the nurse, and contravenes standards of practice.