If a nurse's personal beliefs conflict with a patient's request for abortion, what is the appropriate action?

• A. Refuse to participate in the patient's care.
• B. Encourage the patient to follow the nurse's belief.
• C. Suggest the patient seek information about alternatives from within your own beliefs.
• D. Provide the available preprinted list of clinics.

Answer: (D)

Respecting patient autonomy and ensuring access to care means supporting the patient in making their own medical decisions without imposing the caregiver’s beliefs. In this situation, the best action is to provide a neutral, practical resource that helps the patient obtain care: a preprinted list of clinics offering abortion services. Sharing this information allows the patient to explore options and seek care promptly, while the nurse remains nonjudgmental and focused on facilitating access rather than influencing the decision. Refusing to participate would hinder care, and trying to steer the patient toward the nurse’s own beliefs or suggesting alternatives rooted in personal beliefs would undermine the patient’s right to choose. Providing the list respects the patient’s choice and connects them with available services. If a nurse holds personal objections, professional practice often guides them to disclose that and ensure timely referral to another appropriate provider, so the patient isn’t left without options.