2007-02-21 02:59:35 · 7 answers · asked by Monica B 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Yes, they can advise if asked, but they must present both sides of the argument so that they are giving information rather than taking a side on the issue.
2007-02-21 03:08:21 · answer #1 · answered by marklemoore 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
nurses are not allowed to give MEDICAL advise of any sort to anyone in a hospital, whether they be a patient or visitor. you are asking a 'gray area' question as, although an abortion is a medical procedure, it isn't necessarily a health issue per se. i would venture to say that 99% of abortions are due to unplanned pregnancies, especially in the age group you are describing. THEREFORE, it would appear that someone was offering an option of getting an abortion as advice on what this girl could do.
pregnancy is one of the biggest moments in a woman's life (even if she is a minor) which can lead to fear, anxiety, confusion. this girl may have expressed something and this caregiver merely said an option she thought the girl might consider. THIS CANNOT BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. granted, this nurse should have just kept to herself, but they are there to ease patients of their pain, and if this young girl just happen to see a friendly face and explained her situation, she must have expressed it in a severe state of despair. the nurse just probably shot off what was on top of her head as i am sure she has seen this happen a million times.
if you're looking to sue, don't waste your time. just contact the head nurse and state that you don't wish your, daughter/girlfriend/whatever to be given advice concerning her situation. if it is the head nurse, go above her.
2007-02-21 03:25:04 · answer #2 · answered by gonzo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can not "advise" in the way of "you should" or "you shouldn't". But to be honest, I don't think any of them would ever offer it up - even asked - for fear of lawsuits or losing their license to practice.
It is unethical for a nurse to advise or administer any sort of medical procedures. They are not doctors. If they do that, and it is found that the advice was against best interest of the patient, and directly resulted in malpractice, they (the nurses) can be tried under the ethical laws of physicans and medical doctors (basically sued for malpractice), and they would lose their license to practice nursing. Even if they know the answer, ethics bounds them from giving the information to a patient.
2007-02-21 03:14:18 · answer #3 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It is perfectly legal for a nurse to discuss abortion with a girl of any age to have an abortion. Abortion is a personal medical decision to be made by the pregnant woman, no matter what her age. Her parents do not get to decide this.
2007-02-21 03:03:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
You should discuss ALL options available to her.
I believe under 18, she has to notify her parents if she is to get an abortion, but that may be dependent on the states.
2007-02-21 03:04:05 · answer #5 · answered by Groovy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
there is nothing wrong with anyone giving anyone advise as long as it is not someone giving legal advise who is not an attorney.
2007-02-21 03:04:08 · answer #6 · answered by colera667 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
yes it is,unless shes off duty and its her personal opinion
2007-02-21 03:07:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋