Nurses' representations regarding the care of women experiencing unsafe abortion

Abstract

Abortion, a current reality in our society, is a complex challenge for healthcare professionals. The objective of this article is to report the representations that Primary Healthcare nurses from the city of Chapecó (SC) have regarding the care of women experiencing abortion/unsafe abortion. This is a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study. Data were collected by means of focal groups comprised of eight nurses, and then analyzed using the method of Collective Subject Discourse Analysis. The discourses indicate that the care provided is permeated with conflicts between assuming an attitude against abortion, supporting the women or remaining impartial. The representation of the preservation of life, a principle taught by professional training and Christian tradition, triggers attempts to convince the women to avoid the abortion. When nurses are not successful in trying to help women find a safe alternative, they advise them to go home and think about the situation, making it clear to the women that she is not the professional who performs the abortion and abandoning the women...