Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Women's health: Publications



  • 17 Oct 2024

    Making Sense of Women’s Health

    Publication Code : 011 664

    This updated publication is designed for the non-specialist nurse. It highlights conditions that women can experience, the likely outcomes and how to access appropriate resources or treatment.

  • 2 Oct 2024

    Fertility Preservation

    Publication Code : 011 754

    This publication provides information for nurses who are supporting and caring for those beginning treatment for potentially life-limiting diseases and where the treatment may adversely affect their ability to have children in the future. This updated guidance also encompasses those who may wish, for non-medical reasons, to defer having children until later in life, for example, members of the armed forces, transgender people, or those considering gender reassignment surgery.

  • 23 Sep 2024

    Education and Career Progression Framework for Fertility Nursing

    Publication Code : 011 692

    This updated framework highlights recommended education and training pathways for career development within fertility nursing. It can be used to facilitate a conversation and enable career development for all nurses and HCSWs in fertility services.

  • 23 Sep 2024

    What are PMS and PMDD?

    Publication Code : 011 822

    This resource has been designed to raise awareness of both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), to support patient assessment and care, and to signpost nursing staff to further helpful resources.

  • 18 Sep 2024

    Clinical Nurse Specialist in Early Pregnancy Care

    Publication Code : 011 652

    This updated publication outlines the key skills and knowledge required to develop the role of a specialist nurse/midwife in early pregnancy care.

  • 16 Sep 2024

    Multiple Births Midwife Standard

    Publication Code : 011 681

    Midwives have an essential role to play in delivering and co-ordinating care for women, partners and families, who are experiencing a multiple pregnancy. These standards are intended to provide clear direction for commissioners and managers when creating roles to support best practice and policies in local service provision for women and their families. The skills and knowledge to provide this service are also outlined in the standards.

  • 11 Sep 2024

    RCN Position Statement on Nursing Associates (NAs) Training in Cervical Screening

    Publication Code : 011 651

    The RCN recognises that nursing associates (NAs) carry out cervical screening, in line with national standards. Service and education providers should be confident that appropriate and relevant training and supervision is in place.

  • 4 Sep 2024

    Sexual and Reproductive Health Competency Framework for Women Cared for in Prison

    Publication Code : 011 557

    This competencies framework has been developed for nurses, midwives, and those supporting nursing teams, who provide sexual and reproductive health care to women in prison. It takes account of nursing teams who may have limited experience caring for pregnant women.

  • 31 Jul 2024

    Advanced Level Nursing Practice and Care of Pregnant and Postnatal Women

    Publication Code : 011 611

    This updated guidance provides principles of good practice to clarify the role of nurses working in advanced nursing practice roles when providing care for pregnant and postnatal women.

  • 28 Feb 2024

    Conscientious Objection - Termination of Pregnancy/Abortion Care

    Publication Code : 011 358

    This updated publication details the RCN position on conscientious objection and provides guidance on the issue for nurses, midwives and nursing associates. It also provides signposts to sources of further information.