Abortion

Now this isn't a thread about the rights and wrongs of it as I think we all know where we stand on that and no amount of arguing will change anyone's views but I hear today they are saying that doctors will no longer need to sign off on an abortion and nurses will be able to do this.

To me the only safe guard we had was that two independent doctors had to see the woman so I am quite convinced this must be wrong.

How do you all feel am I worrying unnecessarily ?

Re: Abortion

I'm afraid this is the way the NHS is going. Nurses are doing a lot of things previously done by doctors, some of which is sensible and practical and some of which is downright dangerous. On this particular issue, I don't think it is inappropriate to delegate the job to nurses - there will no doubt be a course that they will have to do to "qualify" for this and ultimately they can probably give more time to the decision-making process, which can't do any harm.

Re: Abortion

Unfortunately abortion has already become the new contraceptive and delegating the decision making to nurses is, in my opinion, a mistake.

I agree with Julie - it should be left to the Doctors

Re: Abortion

Sadly, so true that it seems to be a current form of contraception.

I'm curious as to what people think doctors have to offer over nurses in this situation. Obviously in a few cases where medical issues are involved then it is essential for a doctor to see these women. But the vast majority of abortions in the UK are for social reasons, and I'm not sure that doctors are any better at assessing these than nurses.

Re: Abortion

I am thinking doctors would be in a better position to refuse an abortion if as now it takes two to agree, nurses (and I am a big fan) do not have the same gravitas as doctors generally.

Also why should nurses have to do all these extra tasks what exactly are doctors being trained and paid so much for if we allow them to shake off all these jobs they normally do ?

Re: Abortion

I agree, Julie.

Re: Abortion

They won't be sitting doing nothing , they will be doing the jobs nurses are not being trained to do . It's all about cost cutting

Re: Abortion

It just seems we are at risk of down grading it all and will eventually be abortion on demand. It isn't far off that now.

Re: Abortion

Yes orangutan, these nurses are appropriately and highly trained specialist nurses and midwives, and are themselves assessed as competent in line with local guidance or protocols and may undertake pre-termination of pregnancy assessment ensuring that it is two doctors who agree that the termination of pregnancy is justified under the grounds of the Abortion Act .

Re: Abortion

Obviously you haven't heard the news then because they were suggesting nurses make the decision and doctors will not need to agree the abortions.

Before you say anything else pats of course you are right and nothing I have said is near the truth.