ANA-Illinois Board Adopts Statement on Reproductive Health

On July 1, 2022, the ANA-Illinois Board of Directors adopts a new position statement on Reproductive Health that aligns with the ANA Code of Ethics and ANA's position statement on Reproductive Health. The board of directors affirms nurses have the right to refuse to participate in sexual and reproductive health care based on ethical grounds, as long as patient safety is assured, and alternative sources of care have been arranged.

ANA-Illinois Statement on Reproductive Rights

POSITION STATEMENT

The ANA-Illinois position on reproductive health is supported by the American Nurses Association's (ANA) Code of Ethics [1]. The ANA bases the Code of Ethics on the core belief that healthcare is a human right and that all persons have the right to bodily autonomy.

• Patients have the right to receive education and counseling on all options related to contraceptive care, family planning, and pregnancy.
• Patients have the right to make informed decisions about their reproductive health without prejudice.
• Nurses should act with compassion and respect for a patient's decision and ensure privacy when providing care. 
• Nurses must work to address social determinants of health, poverty, and inequality, including public policies that may impact these factors. ANA-Illinois believes in advocating for safe and equitable healthcare in Illinois.

The ANA-Illinois supports evidence-based nursing practice that facilitates access to care and protects the ability of all Illinois residents to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Healthcare services should not be limited by the laws of the state. Laws that create barriers to healthcare lead to poor health outcomes and disproportionately affect historically marginalized individuals who do not have access to reproductive services in their community.   The ANA Code of Ethics stipulates that "ethics, human rights, and nursing converge as a formidable instrument for social justice and health diplomacy."  ANA-Illinois supports the patient's right to access reproductive health services.

 

[1]  American Nurses Association. Code of ethics for nurses. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/