Physician beliefs about abortion safety and their participation in abortion care

Abstract

Objective

To document physicians’ beliefs about abortion safety and the associations between these beliefs and physician support for, referral for, and participation in abortion care.

Methods

In a 2019 survey at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, we assessed physicians’ abortion attitudes, beliefs, and practices (N = 893). We conducted bivariate analyses followed by logistic regression to document relationships between physician beliefs about abortion safety and their support for, referral to, and participation in abortion care.

Results

Four-in-five physicians (78%, n = 690) believed that abortion is very or extremely safe. Medical specialty (Obstetrics-Gynecology vs. other; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 10.58, 95% CI: 1.41–79.56), educational exposure to abortion (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.02–2.01), and religiosity (aOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.41–0.85) were associated with physicians’ beliefs about the safety of abortion. Providers who believed that abortion was very/extremely safe were more likely to support medication (aOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.93–4.65) and procedural abortion (aOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 2.31–5.50) and refer patients for abortion care (aOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.90–5.01).

Conclusion

Although abortions are associated with extremely few adverse events, a sizable portion of surveyed physicians had incorrect perceptions of the safety of abortion. These beliefs were associated with decreased support and referrals for abortion care. Educational exposure to abortion is associated with more accurate assessments of abortion safety, underscoring the importance of training in this area. Considering the current abortion policy landscape, it is imperative for physicians to hold accurate knowledge about abortion so they can provide comprehensive counseling and, when indicated, referrals for safe and legal care.