A vueltas con la objeción de conciencia de los farmacéuticos comunitarios / Struggling with the conscientious objections of community pharmacists

La sentencia del Pleno del Tribunal Constitucional del 25 de junio de 2015 ha provocado que se coloque de nuevo en el debate público la cuestión de la objeción de conciencia en las profesiones sanitarias. En 2010, año de la aprobación de la Ley 2/2010, de salud sexual y reproductiva, éste había sido ya un tema de amplia discusión. En este comentario nos proponemos exponer los problemas éticos y jurídicos fundamentales que plantea el recurso de amparo, los argumentos principales que refleja la sentencia y que, a nuestro juicio, son relevantes para la bioética y tratar de fijar cuáles son los avances o retrocesos que en la cuestión bioética de la objeción de conciencia de los profesionales sanitarios aporta esta resolución judicial (AU)

The ruling of the plenary session of the constitutional tribunal of June 25, 2015 once again brought the question of conscientious objection in the healthcare profession into public debate. This was a subject of considerable discussion in 2010, when Law 2/2010 regarding sexual and reproductive health was approved. In this article we attempt to illustrate the fundamental ethical and legal problems presented by this appeal on the grounds of unconstitutionality and the main arguments in the judgment that are, in our opinion, relevant to bioethics. We also attempt to identify the advances or setbacks of this legal ruling with regard to bioethics of the conscientious objection of the healthcare professionals (AU)

History, policy and nursing practice implications of the plan b(®) emergency contraceptive.

Numerous policy changes have expanded access to emergency contraception, such as Plan B®, in recent years. Plan B® is a progesterone-based medication that prevents pregnancy from occurring up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse by preventing ovulation and tubal transport. Increased access to Plan B® allows women to make independent decisions regarding reproductive health. Nurses play an important role in providing education as well as comprehensive, compassionate and holistic care.

Examining barriers to emergency contraception use.

Using a cross-sectional survey research design, this study examined barriers to emergency contraception (EC) use among a sample of 318 Turkish women. Only 34% of the respondents reported being aware of EC methods, and about 20% had actually used EC. More than 90% of the participant women considered use of EC methods as a sin. The results of the study showed that the major barriers to EC use are lack of awareness and common misconceptions about EC methods. This study highlights the need of education for Turkish women regarding EC to increase awareness and dispel misconceptions related to EC.

Advance provision of emergency contraception for adolescents.

Emergency contraception is most effective at preventing unintended pregnancy when taken as early as possible following unprotected sexual intercourse. Advance provision of this medication supports more timely and effective use. In the midst of rising teen pregnancy rates, current policies often limit access to emergency contraception for adolescents. A literature search identified three recent experimental studies of advance provision for adolescents. This article reviews those studies and finds strong support for advance provision for adolescents. Usage of emergency contraception increased with advance provision and there was no increase in negative sexual behaviors or decrease in usage of other contraceptive forms. Implications of these findings for school nurses and school-based health center staff are also discussed.