As a nurse working in sexual health, my core goal is to ensure that every patient, regardless of background, identity, or belief, has access to trusted, non-judgmental care. When discussions about sexual and reproductive health are limited or avoided, it unintentionally reinforces the idea that these conversations are inappropriate or taboo. This silence can isolate the those who might benefit most from open, inclusive, and accessible sexual healthcare and education.

As a profession, nurses should not promote personal beliefs. Personally, I am deeply proud of our staff, who provide impartial, compassionate, and evidence-based support to every patient. Everyone deserves the freedom to make their own choices about their body and their health. It continues to astonish me how deeply some individuals care about controlling the decisions others make about their own bodies. Thus, a passion for delivering outstanding, patient-focused sexual healthcare is the driver to continually learn and grow within the wide-ranging field of sexual and reproductive health.

For me, all people, have the right to freedom, equality, and bodily autonomy. Inclusive of women, whose reproductive health too often faces disproportionate management, unmet needs, and poor outcomes with the expectation that reproductive health issues are expected, and women have to ‘get on with it’.

These principles fuel the work of a nurse working in abortion care and motivate me to advocate for those whose voices are too often silenced. Sexual health is not an isolated aspect of care; it intersects with mental wellbeing, body image, physical and psychosexual health, and broader social and systemic factors. Together, these elements form the full picture of a person’s health and quality of life.

Stigma remains a major barrier to reproductive healthcare, particularly in relation to abortion. This marginalisation can have profound consequences for wellbeing, especially among those in vulnerable or economically disadvantaged communities.

As nurses and midwives, we also face judgement and at times feel vulnerable ourselves when disclosing our work in abortion care, which can make it difficult to be completely open in some forums. Yet, open and honest conversation is what helps us to challenge these barriers. I have often been asked about the myths surrounding the decriminalisation of abortion. For me, decriminalisation represents a critical step forward in ensuring women can access safe healthcare without fear of prosecution. It does not remove the professional or regulatory standards that govern our practice, rather, it strengthens the framework that protects both patients, healthcare staff and the organisation. Safe access saves lives, and that is at the heart of what we do as healthcare providers.

In my professional experience, the landscape of abortion care remains complex and, at times, unstable. The decision to continue or end a pregnancy involves multiple layers of consideration—systemic, social, emotional, and physical. For many women, it can be an overwhelming period in their lives. The pride I feel in the compassionate, skilled care our nurses and midwives provide is immeasurable.

As a profession, I urge that we continue to advocate for open conversations around sexual and reproductive health. Pushing for equalities in healthcare policy, and holistic management of reproductive and sexual health. We are in the privileged position to call for change, and I am fortunate to work alongside colleagues who embody empathy, professionalism, and respect in every interaction. Together, we are helping to normalise discussions that empower women and promote equitable access to care.

At its core, sexual and reproductive healthcare is not just about medicine, it’s about dignity, choice, and human rights.