Family medicine doctors need abortion training

Abortion restrictions spreading across the county have upended people’s ability to make decisions about their lives, families, and futures. Primary care physicians should receive abortion training as it will expand abortion access — and give patients a much more comfortable experience. There are 118,00 family physicians in the U.S., one of the largest group of active physicians. They are the only physicians in many regions, especially in rural areas and communities that are primarily Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Family medicine is also more diverse, with substantially more Black, Indigenous, and Latinx physicians than other specialties. Decades of research show that primary care physicians can provide abortion care safely and effectively, in familiar office settings and with more personalized care.

The Gap in Abortion Care Provision

While some family physicians are already providing access to abortion, they could play a much larger role. In fact, only 3% of recently graduated family physicians currently provide this care. Increasing training for this group of physicians can access a tremendous untapped resource with potential to address the crisis in abortion access and to help reduce care inequities. Frustratingly, the response to the Dobbs decision has not included an investment to meet the potential of this primary care workforce, such as expanding training opportunities for family physicians. Currently, fewer than 55 of the 796 family medicine residency programs offer abortion as part of routine training.

Current Clinical Statistics and Data

• Active family physicians in the U.S.: 118,00
• OB-GYNs in private practice offering abortion care: 14%
• OB-GYNs reporting patients request abortion services: 97%
• Family medicine residency programs with routine training: Fewer than 55 of 796
• Likelihood of providing care if training is routine: 8 times more likely

Available Training Resources for Professionals

If you’re a healthcare provider or student, you can take steps right now to ensure the future of abortion care is strengthened. Invest your energy and your anger in your professional growth, and check out these organizations who will train you to provide abortion care in your practice:

1. National Abortion Federation (NAF): Offers 50 online CME courses and hosts in-person trainings for clinics and schools.
2. Abortion Training Centers: Matches residents and clinicians with 2-8 week clinical rotations.
3. Medical Students for Choice: Provides scholarship-funded Training to Competence Externships.
4. Midwest Access Project (MAP): Connects providers with customized observations and training rotations.
5. Training in Early Abortion and Comprehensive Healthcare (TEACH): Provides rural and international elective opportunities.
6. RHEDI and howtouseabortionpill.org: Free interactive videos and clinical tools regarding medical and early surgical abortion.

Expanding Access Through Specialized Programs

Family physicians are also leading the way when it comes to telemedicine abortion provision across state lines as an innovative way to expand access. When residents can actually get this training, the impact is huge. For example, Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Women’s Health this fall welcomed its first visiting medical resident from out of state to receive specialized training in abortion care. The physician-in-training was not able to receive the training within her own obstetrics and gynecology residency program, due to a statewide abortion ban. OHSU is committed to providing the full continuum of sexual and reproductive health care — including abortion — to all who seek it. During their time at OHSU, visiting residents gain hands-on experience with various procedures and surgeries, and learn how to effectively counsel various patient populations.