Abstract
Objective: The declining number of abortion providers in the United States has been attributed to a decrease in abortion training in obstetrics and gynecology (ob-gyn) residency programs. We conducted a survey to determine whether abortion training predicts abortion provision and what factors play a role in the decision to provide abortion. Methods: We surveyed 262 recently graduated ob-gyns from five programs with different types of abortion training. They were asked questions about demographics, career status, residency abortion training, and whether they provide elective abortions. They were then asked to rank various factors according to the effect on their decision to provide or not provide abortions. Results: One hundred sixty-one surveys (61%) were returned. One hundred four respondents (66%) stated that their residency program had routine training. Overall, 74 (46%) currently provide abortions, and 95 (76%) provided them at some time since residency. Of those trained at programs with routine training, 51% currently are providing abortions. Religious affiliation and having children are significantly correlated in a negative way with current provision ( P<0.05). Participation in residency training was correlated with abortion provision ( P <0.001), and training at a program with no abortion training was negatively correlated with provision ( P <0.05). The physicians who currently provide elective abortions cite patient need, adequate training, and their personal beliefs as the strongest factors in their decisions to provide. The physicians who do not provide abortion cite discomfort among office staff, practice group restrictions, their personal moral beliefs, and provision by others in their offices as the strongest factors. Conclusion: The majority of the physicians interviewed had been trained to provide elective abortions, and the majority had provided abortions at some point since their residencies. Residency training and religious beliefs affect the likelihood that obstetrician–gynecologists will provide abortions, but situational factors also are important.
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