Work

The values attributed by physicians and nurses to abortion in Brazil

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: to understand the values attributed by nurses and physicians working in obstetric care for abortion. METHODS: this is a phenomenological study based on Max Scheler's theory of values, with 19 semi-structured online interviews with healthcare professionals working in legal abortion, using the snowball sampling recruitment technique. The collected data were transcribed in full and submitted to content analysis. RESULTS: it was evident from healthcare professionals' statements that abortion has a vital, moral and ethical professional value. Furthermore, the lack of value given to abortion by physicians and nurses was demonstrated as well as the vital value attributed to women's lives by public health. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: in order to understand the values attributed by nurses and physicians, there was the need to advance the values of health, rights, dignity and respect for women in the face of abortion.

Source: Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem

DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2024-0196