Internationale Zeitschrift für öffentliche Gesundheit und Sicherheit

The Views of Nursing Students about the Concern to Use Various Forms of Emergency Contraception

Abstract

Andrzej Brodziak, Alicja Rożyk-Myrta, Agnieszka Wolinska

Background: Among methods of emergency contraception there are substances that prevent fertilization, generally by inhibiting ovulation, and means that prevent the implantation of fertilized ovum. Part of women as well as doctors and pharmacists attach recently more attention to choosing one of these measures by metaphysical reasons. The authors of the paper conducted a questionnaire survey aimed at examining how such different attitudes are prevalent among the chosen group of young women in Poland.

Material and Methods: The survey was conducted among 90 female nursing students in three slightly different age groups. A short questionnaire was preceded by a written explanation of the essence of the metaphysical problem.

Results: The use of "emergency contraception", regardless of the type of mechanism of action, i.e. also with tablets preventing the implementation of fertilized cells approve about 55% of women and about 45% allows only the use of ovulation inhibitors.

Conclusion: Due to the obligatory rules of informing patients about the nature of undertaken medical activities, it is advisable to disseminate knowledge about the existing ethical dilemma related to emergency contraception. However, obstructing access to "emergency contraception" due to the conscience clause is difficult to justify rationally, as these increases the likelihood of unwanted pregnancies, which is another next ethical issue.