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Student midwives

Abortion

Termination of pregnancy

Midwifery education

Perceptions

Sensitive research

An exploration of the perceptions of student midwives about midwifery education related to abortion

02 December 2020

Research

02 December 2020

Volume 28 · Issue 12

ISSN (print): 0969-4900

ISSN (online): 2052-4307

Abstract

Background

There is variation in undergraduate curriculum content related to abortion, both nationally and internationally.

Aims

To explore how student midwives perceived education related to abortion within a midwifery curriculum.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory survey design used an anonymised questionnaire to capture the perception of 60 student midwives on education related to abortion. Frequency, distribution and themes generated were synthesised using framework analysis.

Results

A total of 45 students responded. Overall, 16 were in first year, 15 were in second year and 14 were third year students. Of those who had received education about abortion, only five (2.25%) expressed that their learning needs about the topic had been met. A total of 40% (18) had cared for women seeking abortion while in clinical placement. There were two overarching themes that were identified: education and values.

Conclusions

The theory of abortion did not prepare the students for practice. Standardised midwifery content is required, covering definition, process, and legal aspects of care around abortion, on international, national and local levels. Empathy was enhanced by exposure to theory or practice and a safe, reflective, educational space is essential to explore how perceptions change after exposure to the topic.

Midwives must provide individualised, culturally sensitive care to women seeking abortion in relation to decision making, eligibility for abortion, process, risks and ethical issues (International Confederation of Midwives, 2019). However, in Europe, the requirement to deliver safe practice prior to registration as a midwife does not specifically refer to abortion (EU, 2005). Nationally, standards explain there should be a focus around, ‘contraception, unintended pregnancy, and abortion’ (Nursing and Midwifery Council [NMC], 2019). Therefore, there is an element of discretion where midwifery programmes are left to decide how to include the topic in their curricula.

Midwives' practice-based experience around abortion varies and it is unknown how many student midwives in the UK are involved in that care (Klingberg-Allvin et al, 2007; Paul et al, 2014). Lukasse et al (2017) recognise that 50% of midwifery education takes place in practice and the experience has a substantial impact on student learning. However, it is difficult to align every aspect of exposure in practice to concurrent theoretical content. Therefore, midwifery programmes of education need to make judgment calls about when to place theory into the curricula to meet the developmental needs of the student midwife.

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