Spatial Disparities in Mifepristone Use for Early Miscarriage and Induced Abortion Among Obstetrician-Gynecologists Practicing in Massachusetts.

Abstract

Background: About 25% of pregnancies end in early miscarriage or abortion annually in the United States. While mifepristone is part of the most effective medication regimen for miscarriage and abortion, regulatory burdens and legal restrictions limit its provision in obstetric-gynecological practice. The extent of geographic disparities in mifepristone use is unknown.

Objectives: We sought to ascertain whether regional "deserts" for mifepristone-based miscarriage and abortion care exist in Massachusetts using geographic regions specified by the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Methods: We fielded a cross-sectional survey of obstetrician-gynecologists practicing in Massachusetts. We weighted survey data to account for differential nonresponse by provider sex, region, and years in independent practice.

Results: Among obstetrician-gynecologists in independent practice with region data (n = 148), 51.0% reported using mifepristone for miscarriage and 43.5% for abortion. Significant differences in reported use were observed across regions (p < 0.001 for both indications). Barriers to using mifepristone for miscarriage management also varied across regions. Respondents outside of Boston and Western Massachusetts were more likely to report gaps in knowledge about regulations and prescribing and had less prior experience using mifepristone. In a multivariable model adjusting for provider sex and practice type, obstetrician-gynecologists outside of Boston had significantly lower odds of using mifepristone for miscarriage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.14, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.08-0.25) and abortion (aOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.26-0.82), compared to Boston-based obstetrician-gynecologists.

Conclusion: Mifepristone provision varies significantly by Massachusetts region. This may lead to spatial disparities in reproductive health outcomes.