Abortions in rural Idaho: physicians' attitudes and practices

This study surveyed all family physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists, and general surgeons practicing in rural Idaho in 1994. Although most respondents provided a wide range of reproductive health services, less than 4% performed abortions, so most rural Idaho women wanting abortions must travel long distances for this procedure. Physicians report that they do not provide abortion services because of both their own moral objections and local community opposition to the procedure. Yet 26% of the respondents indicated interest in using RU-486 for abortions when it becomes available. This suggests that the development of acceptable medical abortifacients may improve access to this procedure even in very conservative rural areas.