Ethical Issues in Womens Health

NURS 330- Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family

Purpose of Assignment
To examine a controversial issue, whether political or publicly debated womens health,
obstetric, or neonatal, and present both sides equally.

Student Approach to Assignment

The healthcare field is full of controversial ethical issues that often spark debates among
professionals. I chose to explore the issue of a mothers right to abuse drugs and alcohol while
pregnant. These women have the right to abuse their bodies normally, but do they have the right
to abuse their bodies while they are carrying a child? I conducted a non-biased exploration of
both sides of this issue in this paper.
Reason for Inclusion of the Assignment in the Portfolio
This assignment is included in the portfolio because it highlights my exploration of a current
ethical issue in womens health. Many end-of-program outcomes have been met in this paper.
Critical Thinking
Engages in creative problem solving.
Example: The main problem presented in this paper is substance abuse during
pregnancy. In the conclusion of the paper, I discussed the way that I would choose to
solve this issue. This would include mandatory substance abuse rehabilitation, or
legal punishment if the mother refuses to go to attend.
Research
Evaluates research that focuses on the efficacy and effectiveness of nursing interventions.
Example: In this paper, I discussed the research finding that substance abuse during
pregnancy has many bad health effects on the child. These effects include mental
retardation, motor dysfunctions, and many other disorders. This research supported
one side of the argument in this paper.
Professionalism
Applies ethical decision-making framework and legal guidelines to clinical situations
that incorporate moral concepts, professional ethics, and advocacy for patient well-being
preferences.
Example: This paper shows a sense of advocacy for both the mother and the child in
the drug-filled situation. In my conclusion, I stated that the health and well-being of
both the mother and the child are the first priority when resolving the issue of
substance abuse during pregnancy.
Culture

 Articulates an understanding of how human behavior is affected by culture, race,

religion, gender, lifestyle and age.
Example: In the paper, I discussed how a pregnant patients drug-addict lifestyle
could have an impact on the health and wellbeing of their unborn child. I also
discussed the difficulties that these individuals face when they try to abstain from
drug and alcohol use and abuse. Drug and alcohol abusers are a unique culture of
people and require very special, individualized care.