Roe v. Wade Overturned: What It Means for Nurses in 2025
Impact Across Nursing Specialties
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade will affect every Registered Nurse (RN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) working with individuals who can become pregnant, as well as those caring for children. Legislative changes and bans will have an immediate impact on reproductive health care across a variety of specialties, including:
- Emergency/Trauma Nursing
- Labor & Delivery
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
- Family Health
- Public Health Nursing
Despite the focus on abortion access, research shows that abortion bans do not prevent people from seeking termination. Instead, many individuals will likely resort to unsafe methods, requiring emergency care or traveling to states where abortion remains legal and safe. Nurses will be called on to manage more complex cases, including those resulting from ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, and other pregnancy-related medical conditions.
Increased Maternal Mortality and Vulnerable Populations
While 13 states have enacted "trigger laws" that immediately ban abortion following the Court's decision, the broader impact is seen in the rise of maternal mortality rates. Research shows a 21% increase in pregnancy-related deaths in states with abortion bans, particularly among marginalized communities. Studies have also shown that Black and Hispanic patients are disproportionately affected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2022, Black patients are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to their white counterparts. These disparities are due to factors such as healthcare quality, chronic conditions, and structural racism.
States with fewer economic resources or access to healthcare will see even more pronounced impacts. A study by Alicia Modestino at Northeastern University suggests that lower-income residents may find it harder to travel for legal abortion services, further widening existing economic inequalities.
Ethical and Legal Challenges for Nurses
The overturning of Roe v. Wade presents significant challenges for nurses, who may find themselves navigating a complex and uncertain legal landscape. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics states that nurses must advocate for the health, safety, and rights of their patients. However, in states with strict abortion bans, nurses could face legal consequences for performing certain procedures, such as treating ectopic pregnancies or providing care following miscarriages or stillbirths.
Hospitals and healthcare institutions, such as Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, may advise nurses to seek legal counsel before assisting patients with procedures that were previously routine but now carry legal risks. Nurses will also need to be prepared to provide care under rapidly changing conditions, which could include increased patient loads and the need for additional emotional and physical support for both patients and their families.
Legal Risks and Counseling Constraints
In states with stringent abortion bans, nurses will face the risk of criminal prosecution if they assist with abortions or provide certain types of reproductive healthcare. This may involve the treatment of ectopic pregnancies, performing dilation and curettage (D&C), or providing emotional and physical support after miscarriage. As Planned Parenthood and ACLU attorneys continue to challenge some state bans, nurses in affected areas will need to stay informed about ongoing legal changes that affect their practice.
Workplace Tensions and Professionalism
Similar to the divisive discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses may face workplace tensions as colleagues debate the ethical and legal implications of these new laws. HR departments and healthcare leadership will play an essential role in maintaining professionalism and ensuring that nurses can continue to provide high-quality care, even in high-stress situations. Seeking guidance from leadership and pursuing legal counsel when necessary can help mitigate stress and protect nurses from potential repercussions.
Conclusion
Nurses must be vigilant and stay informed about the evolving legal landscape in their state. While some states allow abortion services under specific circumstances, others impose severe penalties for healthcare providers who assist with procedures that may now be criminalized. Nurses are called upon to navigate these challenges with compassion and professionalism, ensuring that patient care remains a priority, even in uncertain times.
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