The integration of abortion into obstetrician-gynecologists' practice after comprehensive family planning resident...

To explore the impacts of routine family planning and abortion training during residency on abortion practice between three and ten years after residency.

In 2018, we surveyed 771 graduated obstetrician-gynecologists at least three years after residency about their current abortion practice. Respondents consented to join a prospective cohort as part of routine, post-rotation evaluation of the Kenneth J. Ryan Residency Training Program in Abortion and Family Planning. We matched and then de-identified post-rotation and post-residency surveys, and conducted bivariate and multivariable analyses.

Of 463 respondents (60% response rate), 188 (41%) reported that they provide abortions (median of eight abortions per month) in their current practice. Eighty-eight (19%) do not provide abortions but would if not restricted by their practice. One hundred-fifty respondents (32%) reported abortions are out of their practice scope or that someone else in their practice provides abortions, and 38 (8%) do not desire to provide abortion care. Two hundred twenty-six (54%) reported practice or hospital group restrictions to abortion care. In multivariable analyses controlling for demographics, training, attitude and practice factors; geographic location, practice restrictions and logistical barriers, among other variables, correlated with abortion practice (practice in the West: odds ratio (OR) 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-4.2; p = 0.01; logistical barriers: OR 0.3, CI 0.1 to 0.7, p = 0.01; and practice restrictions OR 0.5, CI 0.3 to 0.8, p = 0.01).

Nearly half of Ryan Program-trained obstetrician-gynecologists provide abortions. However, many barriers prevent the integration of abortion into practice. Healthcare providers and leaders should work to eliminate barriers to the provision of abortion care.

Regardless of their intentions at the time of training, nearly half of Ryan Program-trained obstetrician-gynecologists provide abortions in practice, and another 19% would if not restricted by their practice. Integrated training is critical to abortion care, and efforts to overcome practice barriers could improve access to comprehensive health care.