Mrs. Lourdes Hernandez is a 43 year-old Cuban woman, who has been married for 30 years, has three (3) adult children, and practices Catholicism. She seeks consultation at the Liberty Health-Maintenance Organization (HMO) clinic because of nausea, vomiting, and general malaise for the last 4 weeks. After a full medical work-up by her Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), she is diagnosed as hGC positive. The Nurse Practitioner counsels Mrs. Hernandez on the pros and cons of pregnancy in this late maternal age. Mrs. Hernandez agrees to further testing for fetal anomalies, which identifies a genetic disorder. After a full discussion with her family, Mrs. Hernandez decides to terminate the pregnancy as soon as possible.
What are Cuban's belief on childbearing and termination of pregnancy in the older woman?
You are the Nurse Anesthetist for Mrs. Hernandez's surgical termination of pregnancy at the local hospital. You are a devout Catholic and do not believe in the termination of life.
What are your responsibilities as the assigned provider for this case?
You decide to refuse this case and leave the OR. Are there any professional consequences for refusing to care for this patient?
