Richard L Fischer1, Kathleen Schaeffer, Robert L Hunter. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ 08103, USA. fischer-richard@cooperhealth.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the willingness of Philadelphia obstetrics and gynecology residents to participate in three abortion procedures for various fetal conditions. METHODS: Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to 310 residents from 18 programs. The survey asked the residents whether they would participate in first trimester dilatation and evacuation (D&E), second trimester prostaglandin induction or second trimester D&E for the following conditions: lethal fetal anomaly, nonlethal anomaly with certain long-term functional consequences, possible long-term functional consequences, little or no long-term functional consequences and elective abortion of a normal fetus. RESULTS: Of the 148 respondents, the percentage of residents who would participate in a second trimester D&E for each fetal condition was significantly lower than that for a first trimester D&E (p < or = .001). Additionally, for each abortion procedure, the participation rates consistently fell for lesser degrees of fetal severity. Participation was significantly associated with preferences regarding abortion legislation and personal abortion stance. CONCLUSION: Resident attitudes regarding abortion participation were related to severity of the fetal condition, gestational age and procedure type.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the willingness of Philadelphia obstetrics and gynecology residents to participate in three abortion procedures for various fetal conditions. METHODS: Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to 310 residents from 18 programs. The survey asked the residents whether they would participate in first trimester dilatation and evacuation (D&E), second trimester prostaglandin induction or second trimester D&E for the following conditions: lethal fetal anomaly, nonlethal anomaly with certain long-term functional consequences, possible long-term functional consequences, little or no long-term functional consequences and elective abortion of a normal fetus. RESULTS: Of the 148 respondents, the percentage of residents who would participate in a second trimester D&E for each fetal condition was significantly lower than that for a first trimester D&E (p < or = .001). Additionally, for each abortion procedure, the participation rates consistently fell for lesser degrees of fetal severity. Participation was significantly associated with preferences regarding abortion legislation and personal abortion stance. CONCLUSION: Resident attitudes regarding abortion participation were related to severity of the fetal condition, gestational age and procedure type.
Authors: Giovanni Sotgiu; Paolo Nieddu; Laura Mameli; Enrico Sorrentino; Pietro Pirina; Alberto Porcu; Stefano Madeddu; Manuela Idini; Maddalena Di Martino; Giuseppe Delitala; Ida Mura; Maria Pina Dore Journal: Patient Prefer Adherence Date: 2012-04-27 Impact factor: 2.711