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


METHODS
We 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.


RESULTS
Graduates' 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.


CONCLUSIONS
Many physicians-in-training consider didactics related to the social context of care and respect for moral boundaries important components of abortion training.
Freedman
Lori
L
ANSIRH, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health at the University of California, San Francisco, Oakland, CA 94612, USA. freedmanl@obgyn.ucsf.edu
Landy
Uta
U
Steinauer
Jody
J
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000193:education* / Q000941:ethics; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education / Q000941:ethics; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education / Q000941:ethics; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States