Andrew Jameton, a Nursing Professor at UCSF, introduced “Moral Distress” in 1984. It refers to the conflict between care one is expected to provide and one’s ethical beliefs. The term has evolved to include feeling morally compelled to provide care. Recent legal decisions like the Dobbs case have intensified this distress, particularly in states with restrictive abortion laws. Health professionals face moral dilemmas and legal risks, with implications for their mental health. The impact of such decisions goes beyond individual providers, affecting the maternal health workforce as a whole. As restrictions on reproductive rights increase, the need for comprehensive approaches like Project 2025 becomes crucial to advocate for women’s health. The current political landscape adds further complexity to the issue, highlighting the ongoing fight for reproductive rights. The response to these challenges is a collective promise not to regress but to move forward towards a more equitable healthcare system.
Mike Magee MD is a Medical Historian and a regular THCB contributor. He is the author of CODE BLUE: Inside America’s Medical Industrial Complex (Grove/2020)
