Physician Attitudes Toward Reproductive Justice: Results From an Institution-Wide Survey [21J

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Reproductive justice (RJ) is a framework that promotes universal reproductive rights by addressing underlying economic, social, and political inequities. Although increasingly integrated into reproductive health specialties, broader physicians’ attitudes toward RJ have been unexamined – even though knowing and promoting RJ principles could improve patient care and public and social health. METHODS: Using mail and online recruitment methods, we surveyed clinical faculty at the largest academic medical center in one Midwestern state. On a five-point Likert-type scale (“strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”), physicians responded to five principles adapted directly from widely held RJ tenets. RESULTS: 913 physicians representing 20 specialties responded (67% response rate). Majorities somewhat or strongly agreed that every woman has the right to parent or not parent a child if she chooses (89%); health systems should ensure that every woman has access to the full range of contraceptives (93%) and abortion (87%); health systems should ensure everyone achieves full autonomy over reproductive decisions (90%) and raises children in safe and healthy environments (96%). Given high reliability (Cronbach alpha=.85), we collapsed items into a bivariate outcome of support for all five principles vs any opposition. A majority (88%) supported all five principles. Chi-square tests of independence (P<.05) found that men, physicians over 40 years of age, religious physicians, and those who oppose legal abortion were less likely to support RJ principles. CONCLUSION: Physician support for RJ was high but not unanimous. We join the call to incorporate RJ principles into medical curricula and healthcare policy.