Abstract
Problem
Timely access to comprehensive abortion care is fundamental to reproductive autonomy;
however, factors such as geographical location, politics, and religious influences
create obstacles to this goal and may have distressing consequences for people seeking
abortions in the context of gender-based violence.
Aim
To investigate the broader situational elements of the Australian healthcare environment
that affect abortion care for victims of gender-based violence.
Methodology
Situational Analysis was used to conduct this study. The lead author interviewed 18
clinicians about their experiences of providing abortion care in the context of gender-based
violence. Transcripts were analysed using situational maps, identifying the human
and non-human elements affecting clinical care.
Findings
Participants believed that patients were “mostly uncatered for.” They described a workforce unprepared to provide abortion care, generally, and
gender-based violence interventions more specifically. Clinicians found that their
pro-life colleagues centred their own needs, and many revealed that the workplace
environments placed clinicians’ and patients’ safety at risk.
Discussion
While abortion is a safe and straightforward procedure, the interconnectedness of
time sensitivity, stigma, shifting legal landscapes, and high rates of gender-based
violence mean that it is probably more complex than the current work models plan for.
A trauma-informed integrated approach that protects the safety and wellbeing of patients
and staff is needed.
Conclusion
Healthcare services should implement streamlined evidence-based and trauma-informed
abortion pathways that take full advantage of nurses' and midwives' skills, knowledge,
and potential. As a priority, healthcare services should also introduce security measures
and protocols to keep staff and patients safe.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 28, 2022
Accepted:
January 8,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 23,
2021
Received:
July 18,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
