Abortion Opt-in Experience in Third-Year Clerkship

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Reproductive Health
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Limited exposure to abortion care in US medical schools.
• Public health imperative for practitioners to know abortion care components and counseling skills.
• Need for improved training in reproductive healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of an opt-in clinical exposure to abortion care.
• To provide medical students with experiential learning in abortion care.
• To enhance medical education regarding reproductive health services.

Main Methods:

• An opt-in clinical exposure to abortion care was implemented during obstetrics and gynecology clerkships.
• Students received a presentation on abortion care components and could adjust involvement levels.
• An opt-in form allowed students to specify desired participation in various components.

Main Results:

• 28% of students (98/350) opted in for abortion care exposure.
• 90 students observed counseling for first- and second-trimester surgical and medical abortions.
• Varied student interest was noted for specific components like history taking and pregnancy evacuation.

Conclusions:

• The educational intervention for abortion care exposure is feasible and effective.
• Experiential learning in abortion care can be integrated into medical education.
• Exposure to abortion care improves medical students' education and future clinical practice.