Obstetrician-gynecologist experiences with abortion training: physician insights from a qualitative study

BackgroundAbortion is one of the most contested, yet common surgical procedures in the United States and a required component of obstetrics and gynecology resident education. Approaches to abortion training are variable.Study DesignWe conducted in-depth interviews with 30 physicians who had graduated 5–10 years prior from four US residency programs with routine abortion training. Interviews focused on their experiences with abortion during training and in practice.ResultsGraduates' positive and negative experiences demonstrated that many valued teaching about the social issues surrounding abortion as well as training in surgical skills. Respondents found training rewarding when attending physicians openly discussed their personal commitment to abortion practice, respected differences of opinions about abortion and demonstrated high regard for abortion training. Some residents who opted out of surgical training for abortion valued partially participating in the rotation.ConclusionsMany physicians-in-training consider didactics related to the social context of care and respect for moral boundaries important components of abortion training.