ProLife OB/GYNS Association statement on non-doctors performing abortions

Numerous articles online discuss a growing trend for non-doctors to gain the right to abort babies. In January Planned Parenthood sued the state of Idaho to change its law requiring that abortions be performed by doctors. In California midwives and nurses are allowed to do abortions.

A committee of the ProLife OB/GYNS recently issued an opinion on this practice. In part they advise:

CNM training is focused on normal delivery of term infants, under the supervision of a physician. Their training does not focus on performance of normal or abnormal surgeries on the female reproductive system, nor does it include training in the management of surgical complications of D&C’s including perforation of the uterus or nearby organs.

An APRN may have even less training. An APRN may hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, but may also enter APRN training with a 3-year Associate’s degree. APRN training programs typically require between 1 and 3 years additional training, some of which may be conducted online. Their training also does not focus on the performance of normal or abnormal surgeries on the female reproductive system, nor does it include training in the management of surgical complications of D&C’s including perforation of the uterus or nearby organs.

Neither a CNM nor an APRN would be eligible for surgical privileges at a hospital. That is because hospitals know the risks to patients that come from unskilled personnel providing surgery beyond their training.

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