Caring for women undergoing second-trimester medical termination of pregnancy

Objective: The objective was to explore the experiences and perceptions of nurses/midwives caring for women undergoing second-trimester medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP).

Study design: The study had a qualitative design using semistructured interviews. It took place in three wards at one gynecological clinic in a general hospital in Stockholm. Twenty-one nurses/midwives with experience in second-trimester abortion care were interviewed following a semistructured interview guide. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify common themes.

Results: The analysis revealed two themes: "The professional self," with six subthemes describing the experiences and perceptions described in terms of professional behavior, and "The personal self," with four subthemes containing the experiences and perceptions described in terms of personal values.

Conclusions: Taking care of women undergoing second-trimester MTOP is a task that requires professional knowledge, empathy and the ability to reflect on ethical attitudes and considerations. Difficult situations that arise during the process are easier to handle with increased knowledge and experience. The feeling of supporting women's rights bridges the difficulties nurses/midwives face in caring for women undergoing second-trimester MTOP. The findings of this study support the need for training, mentoring and support by experienced colleagues to help nurses/midwives feel secure in their professional role in difficult situations and feel confident in their personal life situation.

Implications statement: Taking care of women undergoing second-trimester MTOP is a task that requires professional knowledge and empathy. Difficult situations that arise during the process are easier to handle with increased knowledge and experience. Mentorship from experienced colleagues and structured opportunities for reflection on ethical issues enable the nurses/midwives to develop security in their professional roles and also feel confident in their personal life situation. The feeling of doing something good for women's rights bridges the difficulties nurses/midwives face in caring for women undergoing second-trimester MTOP.