Increasing diversity in family planning may be the key to increasing abortion access: data from the Ryan Program

Abstract

Objectives: In 2011, some 38% of US reproductive-aged women lived in the 89% of counties with no abortion provider. Physicians who are of racial and ethnic minorities (Black, Latino, Native American and Asian American) are more likely than White physicians to practice in underserved areas and serve patients who are poor or racial and ethnic minorities. Little is known about racial and ethnic differences in physicians' interest in providing abortions. Methods: Since 2003, the Kenneth J. Ryan Residency Training Program in Abortion and Family Planning (Ryan Program) has administered postrotation resident surveys nationwide, and questions on race and ethnicity were added in 2015. We assessed correlates of intention to provide abortion, specifically comparing minorities with Whites, and whether training participation varied by race. Data collection is ongoing. Results: Some 155 or (90%) residents responded from September 2015 to April 2016, and 10 did not provide their race or ethnicity. The proportions were 71% White, 7% Black, 1.3% Latino, 0.7% Native American, 16% Asian American and 4% other. Overall, 50% intended to provide abortion for all indications and 79% for pregnancy complications. White residents were less likely to intend to provide abortions for all reasons than non-White residents (46% vs. 64%; OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18–0.90; p=.03, controlling for region). We identified no confounding variables. Participation in abortion training did not differ by race or ethnicity. Conclusions: Residents of racial and ethnic minorities in Ryan Programs are more likely to intend to provide abortion and may be critical in decreasing disparities in abortion access for US women.