Values exploration in abortion care

Reproductive health care generally, and abortion care in particular, is a medically and ethically complex field where healthcare providers must navigate their personal values, professional responsibilities, and the significant stigma associated with the work, along with systemic challenges. Values exploration exercises and workshops are effective interventions to help trainees and providers explore and manage these challenges. This review synthesizes findings from recent literature and established toolkits to summarize the use and effectiveness of values exploration in the context of abortion care.

Structured values exploration workshops are an important tool usable across multiple domains, from trainee education to established clinical practice. Adaptations of exercises have been used in many training and programmatic settings.

Values exploration is regarded as an important and effective tool when discussing complex topics such as abortion care. Evidence from trainee education, clinical practice, and global health initiatives is that exercises in values exploration, from reflection to structured workshops, are essential components to improve attitudes, support staff, and ultimately increase access to care.