M Antonia Biggs1, Lauren Ralph2, Sarah Raifman2, Diana G Foster2, Daniel Grossman2. 1. Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, Oakland, CA 94612, USA. Electronic address: antonia.biggs@ucsf.edu. 2. Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, Oakland, CA 94612, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess women's personal interest in and support for three alternative models of medication abortion (MA) provision. STUDY DESIGN: Using an online survey of a U.S. national, probability-based representative sample of women ages 18-49, we gauged personal interest in and general support for three alternative models for accessing abortion pills: (1) in advance from a doctor for future use, (2) over-the-counter (OTC) from a drugstore and (3) online without a prescription. We conducted multivariable analyses to identify characteristics associated with support for these provision models. RESULTS: Fifty percent (n=7022) of eligible women invited completed the survey. Nearly half (49%) supported and 30% were personally interested in one or more of the three access models; 44% supported advance provision, 37% supported OTC access, and 29% supported online access. Common advantages reported for advance provision, OTC and online access included privacy (49%, 29% and 46%, respectively), convenience (38%, 44% and 38%) and being able to end the pregnancy earlier (48%, 40% and 29%). Common disadvantages included concern that women might take the pills incorrectly (55%, 53% and 57%), not seeing a clinician before the abortion (52%, 54% and 53%) and safety (42%, 43% and 60%). History of abortion and experiencing barriers accessing reproductive health services were associated with greater support for the alternative models. CONCLUSION: Women are interested in and support alternative models of MA provision, in particular, advance provision. However, they also reported concerns about incorrect pill use and not seeing a clinician beforehand. IMPLICATIONS: Offering women more choices in how they access medication abortion, including options where they can safely self-manage their own care, has the potential to expand access to care.
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess women's personal interest in and support for three alternative models of medication abortion (MA) provision. STUDY DESIGN: Using an online survey of a U.S. national, probability-based representative sample of women ages 18-49, we gauged personal interest in and general support for three alternative models for accessing abortion pills: (1) in advance from a doctor for future use, (2) over-the-counter (OTC) from a drugstore and (3) online without a prescription. We conducted multivariable analyses to identify characteristics associated with support for these provision models. RESULTS: Fifty percent (n=7022) of eligible women invited completed the survey. Nearly half (49%) supported and 30% were personally interested in one or more of the three access models; 44% supported advance provision, 37% supported OTC access, and 29% supported online access. Common advantages reported for advance provision, OTC and online access included privacy (49%, 29% and 46%, respectively), convenience (38%, 44% and 38%) and being able to end the pregnancy earlier (48%, 40% and 29%). Common disadvantages included concern that women might take the pills incorrectly (55%, 53% and 57%), not seeing a clinician before the abortion (52%, 54% and 53%) and safety (42%, 43% and 60%). History of abortion and experiencing barriers accessing reproductive health services were associated with greater support for the alternative models. CONCLUSION:Women are interested in and support alternative models of MA provision, in particular, advance provision. However, they also reported concerns about incorrect pill use and not seeing a clinician beforehand. IMPLICATIONS: Offering women more choices in how they access medication abortion, including options where they can safely self-manage their own care, has the potential to expand access to care.
Authors: Ernestina Coast; Samantha R Lattof; Yana van der Meulen Rodgers; Brittany Moore; Cheri Poss Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-06-09 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Abigail R A Aiken; Kathleen Broussard; Dana M Johnson; Elisa Padron; Jennifer E Starling; James G Scott Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2020-03-03 Impact factor: 10.693