Unknown author2024-11-052024-11-052024-08-19https://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/13988Introduction The procedure of abortion is now nurse-led in the United Kingdom. While nurses are perceived as the supporting role, the moral conflict and emotions associated with abortion has not been considered widely and remains unknown. The stance on abortion will always remain divided among individuals, with many contradicting factors influencing ones ethical standpoint and view on the right to an abortion. Nurses are crucial in the delivery of abortion care. The experiences and factors influencing nurses throughout their involvement in abortion care is currently under researched, specifically reflecting on their moral compass of what nurses’ believe is right and wrong within the context of abortion. Method A narrative review was carried out to explore the moral values and beliefs of nurses, exploring the impact these experiences have on the impact to care given. Levels of support were also identified. The conceptual framework of ‘alternative approach to conscience and participation in abortion care’ is used to examine the factors of moral work in relation to participation in abortion care. Findings Nurses displayed differing moral and values beliefs towards abortion, however, the significance of nurses debating their moral conscience, suppressing and concealing their emotions towards abortion was highlighted in most literature identified. Nurses sought to prioritise their patients support, observing women’s emotions and needs as a priority, ensuring that access to the service was non-judgemental and compassionate. Nurses conveyed a ‘subconscious pressure’ to conform to their professional role, often neglecting themselves and their well-being to provide an effective abortion service. An evident professional expectation was seen throughout, whereby many nurses performed tasks that went against their moral values and beliefs due to the stereotypical role of a nurse. Conclusion Despite working closely in abortion care, nurses face the moral dilemma of their personal beliefs and professional stance. Findings identified the requirement to provide adequate support to nurses throughout abortion care. Often supressing emotions, the ethos of team support was seen a pivotal in abortion provision. Further research is required to improve the experience of abortion for women and healthcare professionals.Thesis