Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Practice: Analysis of Abortion and Clinician Moral Obligations
Overview
This paper examines an ethical dilemma facing a Texas clinician who must decide whether to perform an abortion for a college student patient in violation of state law, or refuse and deny the patient bodily autonomy. The paper presents arguments from both pro-abortion and pro-life perspectives, ultimately arguing that the clinician's moral duty is to comply with state law despite the patient's desire for self-determination.
What this essay covers
- Introduction and presentation of the specific ethical dilemma involving a pregnant college student and Texas abortion restrictions
- Analysis of pro-abortion arguments emphasizing medical safety, bodily autonomy, and women's rights versus pro-life arguments based on conception and life preservation
- The author's conclusion that clinicians have a moral obligation to follow state law even when it conflicts with patient autonomy and self-determination
Preview
Principles of Ethics in Nursing: Abortion
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Principles of Ethics in Nursing: Abortion
A specific dilemma relating to abortion is that of a Texan clinician dealing with a pregnant female college student who is pregnant and wants to terminate her 5-month pregnancy. The female patient initially planned to keep the baby but changed her mind after breaking up with her partner. She fears that keeping the baby will hinder her studies and is not ready to be a mother or juggle the responsibilities of parenthood and academics. Texan laws prohibit the clinician from performing any abortion except when the pregnancy endangers the mother's life. Violations of thestate's abortion law are punishable by up to life in prison: the attorney general is also permitted to see a civil penalty of more than $100,000, over and above attorney's fees. Moreover, the law allows private citizens (including the female patient's boyfriend, friends, or family) to prosecute the clinician if he aids or performs the abortion. The dilemma is whether to perform the abortion, face the risk of prosecution, or refuse to perform the abortion and subsequently deny the patient her bodily autonomy and right to self-determination.
The case presents a conflict between the clinician's legal obligation to observe Texan abortion laws and his desire to help the female patient exercise her bodily autonomy and right to self-determination. The key terms associated with the dilemma are abortion, autonomy, self-determination, conception, pregnancy, and prosecution.