Effect of Texas Abortion Laws on Reproductive Health Attitudes Among Medical Students, Residents, and Faculty: A TTUHSC Study [ID 2683579

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In response to Texas Senate Bill 8 and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we investigated the effect of new abortion laws on attitudes toward reproductive health and abortion within the TTUHSC community in Lubbock, Texas. As abortion remains a vital aspect of reproductive health care, understanding current and future doctors’ sentiments is essential. METHODS: The Omnibus survey was sent electronically to TTUHSC School of Medicine students as well as medical residents, fellows, and faculty. The survey included 25 question sets that branched according to respondent groups and received 318 responses from the TTUHSC community. Using a single predictor model in RStudio, we analyzed gender influence on attitudes toward post-law changes. All participants provided consent for their responses to be used for research purposes. This project was approved for exempt review by the TTUHSC IRB. RESULTS: Of 76 responses, 63% strongly agreed that medical education should address Texas abortion law changes. Females showed more desire (73%) for education changes (P=.0059). Gender also affected opinions on counseling limitations due to new laws (P=.0167) and obstetrics and gynecology residents’ abortion training (P=.0063). CONCLUSION: Most participants favored educating students about law changes, perceived counseling limitations, and obstetrics and gynecology training for abortions. Females consistently aligned with these sentiments. The gender-based disparities underscore a medical education gap exacerbated by the new laws. Ambiguities in current laws may affect clinical practice. Addressing these findings is crucial and encompasses integrating ethical considerations, legal nuances, and procedures into the medical education framework to produce competent, compassionate practitioners.