Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To survey obstetrics and gynecology residents' knowledge of and interest in the Supreme Court of the United States' decision regarding Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., along with their general interest in health policy. METHODS: Identical, anonymous surveys were administered to 15 obstetrics and gynecology residents following the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. decision. RESULTS: A total of 15 obstetrics and gynecology residents were surveyed. Although 100% heard of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., less than half felt comfortable discussing the case in lay terms. Among those surveyed, 73% had actively sought to learn more about the case and answered correctly regarding the forum and basic premise of the case. All residents surveyed believe that physicians should be involved in politics and that health policy should be a part of resident education. All residents also expressed some desire for personal future involvement in healthy policy. Approximately half currently follow policy related media, and 93% were interested in a resident-generated women's reproductive health policy email. CONCLUSION: Residents demonstrated strong awareness regarding Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., however had gaps in knowledge and were less confident in their ability to discuss the case, even in lay terms. They showed strong agreement that physicians have a role in health policy and that residency training should include health policy education. Residency is an opportune time to foster policy interests in trainees and thereby bolster the presence of obstetrics and gynecology physicians in women's health policy decisions.