Medical-Legal Communication Among Emergency Nurses in States With Abortion Bans: Implications for Nursing Leaders

Abstract

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to describe how emergency nurses receive and share information about practice concerns related to abortion bans. BACKGROUND In the United Sates, details of abortion bans are changing and create confusion around clinical and legal implications with attendant challenges in maintaining communication. METHODS A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was applied, using interview data from 19 emergency nurses working in states with abortion bans and 3 working in states without bans. RESULTS Categories of individual, interpersonal, and institutional factors were described, with 11 emerging themes. Participants reported no communication from administrations about practice implications of abortion bans, and distress over implications for both patients and their own practice. CONCLUSIONS Nurses working in emergency departments (EDs) in states with abortion bans report anger and frustration at the scarcity of both information and guidance provided by hospital administrators and ED managers, with concern about their ability to provide safe and appropriate care. Normal channels of communication about practice changes go unused, leading to practice challenges and moral distress.