Abstract
The potential for perinatal diagnosis of pathological conditions and the subsequent option for therapeutic abortion have led to ethical concerns in nursing practice. This case study aimed to conduct an ethical analysis of a case of therapeutic abortion for fetal abnormality. The case was analyzed using two key processes: decontextualization and recontextualization. The specific tasks involved listening to different voices, gaining a thorough understanding of the case, using ethical principles to guide the analysis, and arriving at a solution. The analysis demonstrated how the nurse struggled to find the balance between respecting the client's autonomous choice in continuing the pregnancy and protecting her from the potential difficulties of child care. The consideration of the client's unique circumstances and helping her visualize her own situation and available options were essential. Guided by the ethical principles of autonomy and beneficence, the ethical dilemma was solved by arriving at a solution that was acceptable to the client and in her best interest. The present experience poses implications for nurses who are responsible for handling ethical dilemmas in their clinical practice.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Childbirth Research |
| Subtitle of host publication | New Developments |
| Pages | 89-103 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |