The Unsung Heroes of Reproductive Freedom: Celebrating Nurses

This week, we celebrate Nurses Week, a time to reflect on the important role nurses play in our healthcare system. Nurses are often the first line of defense for patients, providing care and support when they are at their most vulnerable. They are advocates for their patients and ensure their needs are met, including having their families available.

As a nurse with 45 years of experience at the bedside, I have seen firsthand the impact nurses can have on patient care. When nursing is done in a loving, caring, and non-judgmental manner, patients and their families feel supported and empowered. However, when nurses begin to judge, the consequences can be devastating.

Our job as nurses is to support our patients' decisions, whether it's about their treatment plan or their choice to seek abortion healthcare. We must care for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs without question or judgment. That's why we must celebrate nurses' essential role in promoting reproductive freedom.

Nurses play a vital role in providing education and counseling on reproductive health issues, including contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy options. They are also involved in the provision of abortion care, from pre-operative assessment to post-operative care. Nurses advocate for reproductive rights and work to expand access to reproductive healthcare services.

This Nurses Week, let's celebrate and honor the incredible work that nurses do every day. Let's remember their dedication, expertise, and advocacy for their patients' rights and needs. Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and we are grateful for their commitment to providing excellent care to all patients.

Dr. Debra Perry, DNP, RN