Pregnancy interruption using mifepristone (RU-486). A new choice for women in the USA

Pharmacological Abortion in a Pandemic: An Italian Medico-Legal Perspective

The limitations caused by the spread of the SARS-CoV2 virus have had repercussions on the voluntary termination of pregnancy. During the pandemic, Italy issued updated guidelines regarding voluntary termination of pregnancy by means of mifepristone and prostaglandin. This included news concerning the time limit and location in which this procedure could be accessed: updates partially recognize women’s needs, and they are into line with the European parliament’s recent exhortations. However, these updates do not change the previously provided responsibilities that lie with doctors. This article aimed to compare regulations concerning medical abortion in Italy and other countries, with a focus on recent Italian updates in the context of pandemic.

Nurses and care of women seeking abortions, 1971 to 2011

In its first issue in 1972, JOGNN published a review article reporting surveillance data about abortions in the United States (Bourne, Kahn, Conger, & Tyler, 1972). This historical article predated Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Since this landmark decision, numerous articles have addressed nurses' role in abortion care. We review current literature on nurses and abortion care and use thematic categories to highlight areas of investigation.

Care of women having termination of first-trimester pregnancy

The care of women having termination of pregnancy has always presented social, ethical and legal concerns to nurses and other healthcare professionals. Women having first-trimester termination of pregnancy may have the choice between medical and surgical methods. The process and procedure of these two approaches are discussed and the implications for nursing practice identified. There is now research evidence that explores women's experiences of these various methods and gives some insight into what the woman may experience. Nurses must have knowledge of these methods of termination to enable women to make the correct choices. The challenge for nurses then is to provide and evaluate information that is as effective as possible in meeting the needs of the individual woman.

Drugs and uterine motility

Nurses who care for pregnant and laboring women are faced with an increasingly frequent use of pharmaceutical agents that facilitate initiation of labor (uterotropins), augment labor (uterotonics), or potentially stop labor (tocolytics). The choice of the drug, administration, side effects, and complications varies. Knowledge about uterine physiology helps the clinician understand the action of these agents. Knowledge of the differences and similarities among oxytoxics, ergots, prostaglandins, and the various drugs used as tocolytics is essential for safe and effective care of women and their fetuses who may be exposed to these agents.