Women's access to family planning services is highly variable at obstetrics and gynecology clinics affiliated with catholic hospitals

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to understand women's experiences calling to arrange access to family planning services at obstetrics and gynecology (ob-gyn) clinics that are affiliated with Catholic hospitals. Methods: In this national survey, we determined the number of ob-gyn clinics to call in each state based on population densities and used multiple online search strategies to confirm Catholic hospital affiliations. Using a mystery caller approach, we requested appointments for birth control, including the copper IUD, tubal ligation and abortion. We documented responses and whether referrals were given. Results: We completed calls between December 2014 and February 2016. Of the 144 clinics included, 31.2% of patient care coordinators reported that their clinic was Catholic owned. In response to appointment requests, 95% offered birth control, 68.1% offered copper IUD, 58.3% offered tubal ligation and 2.1% offered abortion. Catholic-owned clinics were less likely than Catholic-affiliated clinics to offer appointments for birth control (84.4% vs. 100%, p<.001), copper IUD (4.4% vs. 97%, p<.001) and tubal ligation (28.9% vs. 71.7%, p<.001). When services were denied, 52.2% did not offer a birth control/IUD referral, 41.7% did not offer a tubal ligation referral and 41.8% did not offer an abortion referral. Conclusions: Women's access to family planning services is highly variable within and throughout ob-gyn clinics in the US that are affiliated with Catholic hospitals. Access mostly depends on the specific service and whether the clinic is Catholic owned or Catholic affiliated. This highly variable access to needed care makes it difficult for women to act as informed health care consumers.