Urban female patients' perceptions of the family medicine clinic as a site for abortion care

Abstract

Background Induced abortion is common in the US, yet there is a lack of providers. We surveyed female patients asking why they would or would not (a) accept early abortion offered by their family physician (FP) in their family medicine clinic (FMC) and (b) prefer to access abortion services in the FMC. Study Design An anonymous survey with open- and closed-ended questions was conducted at three FMCs. Results were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Results Four hundred forty-nine women completed the survey. Respondents supported offering medication (68.8%) and suction (43.1%) abortion in the FMC. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents who identified themselves as possibly having a future abortion ( n=231) would prefer to have the abortion in their FMC. Comfort with either their provider or the FMC was the most frequently cited reason for preferring the FMC. Concern about preserving comfort at the FMC was mentioned by others as a reason for not choosing the FMC. “Expertise” was the most commonly cited reason by those who preferred a specialized abortion clinic. Anonymity or privacy was mentioned by different respondents as a benefit of care at both sites. Conclusion In order to address patient preferences and concerns, early abortion services should be offered in the FMC as well as in specialty clinics.