<p>This study aimed at presenting a theoretical discussion about empathy in the context of late care to induced abortion and the ambiguous impact of empathy on workers' mental health. In the context studied, empathy finds social, psychological and cultural contingencies conducive to its inhibition, given the moral and religious character that permeates the practice of abortion in the country. This condition implies in the non-recognition of the emotional states manifested by these women during the care. Thus, professionals often fail to recognize the effect of their work on remission of the pain and suffering of their patients. In view of this, the development of compassionate satisfaction is unlikely in this context, as is the development of compassionate fatigue</p>