Tuesday, February 12, 2019
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) today released its revised position statement on Elective Induction of Labor.
Read AWHONN’s position statement.
In the position statement, AWHONN asserts that the choice to induce labor on or after 39 weeks gestation is an individual’s choice and a decision best made between the woman and her healthcare provider. There is no harm in waiting for spontaneous labor in low risk pregnant women.
“We know that people can make safe, sound decisions about their healthcare when they fully understand the risks and benefits. Nurses play a key role in educating patients which allows them to choose care that is right for them,” said AWHONN President Cheryl Roth, PhD, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB, RNFA.
Shared decision-making is key to positive outcomes, stated AWHONN vice president for research and policy, Jacqueline Rychnovsky, PhD, RN, CPNP, FAANP. “Shared decision making is essential for patient-centered care and is a core belief among nurses. The woman’s values, goals and preferences must be considered in the plan of care. Nurses provide evidence-based information which informs the woman of the risks and benefits of her choices.”
When the choice is made to induce labor, healthcare organizations must ensure there are adequate resources, including nurse staffing to provide safe care.
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization. Our mission is to empower and support nurses caring for women, newborns, and their families through research, education, and advocacy.
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For more information, please contact Shannon Doolin at 202-261-2410 or sdoolin@awhonn.org.
