Moral conscience in nursing regarding the voluntary termination of pregnancy in adolescents. A literature review.
Keywords:
Nursing Ethics, Conscience, Adolescent, Induced AbortionAbstract
Background: Induced abortion in adolescents represents a significant challenge for public health and the nursing profession, particularly in contexts where moral, religious, and cultural beliefs shape healthcare delivery. This review explores the moral approaches of nursing professionals toward the voluntary termination of pregnancy in adolescents, considering the ethical and social implications of their practice.
Objective: To analyze and synthesize the existing evidence on the perceptions, attitudes, and moral conscience of nursing professionals regarding induced abortion in adolescents.
Methodology: An exploratory systematic review was conducted. A search of PubMed, WoS, CINAHL, and Scopus was performed for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies published in the last 20 years in Spanish, English, or Portuguese that aligned with the study's objective. The PRISMA guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological quality assessment tools were applied.
Results: Of the 52 articles identified, 10 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in depth. Adolescent abortion is perceived as a morally sensitive issue, with particular delicacy in regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The ethical and moral stances of nursing staff are diverse and contingent upon personal factors (religious beliefs, cultural values, professional training) and contextual factors (legal framework, available resources). The presence of prejudice and conscientious objection was identified, which can lead to the stigmatization of and barriers to care for adolescents. A lack of specific training and adequate resources hinders the provision of empathetic, judgment-free care. Social stigma and the absence of support may lead adolescents to resort to unsafe abortions, thereby increasing health risks.
Conclusions: The ethical and moral position of nursing professionals on induced abortion in adolescents is highly varied and depends on personal and contextual factors. It is essential to promote ethics education, professional reflection, and the development of policies that guarantee access to safe services and psychosocial support for adolescents.
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